One of the best ways to save on your energy bills is to limit the amount of energy you use in the bathroom. Easily save money and energy in your bathroom by following these 9 simple steps.

Water heating is the second largest household energy expense, after heating and cooling. Cutting your shower time by two minutes can reduce your water use and lower your energy bills.

Lowering your water heater’s thermostat to 120 °F can help you to improve the performance of your water heater and cut your water heating costs. If you plan to be away from home for at least three days, turn off your water heater or turn the thermostat down to the lowest setting.

Lighting accounts for about 10 percent of your household electricity costs. Turning the lights off when you leave the bathroom is an important energy conservation measure.

Switching to energy-saving light bulbs is one of the easiest ways to start saving energy in your bathroom. When shopping for light bulbs, look for the Energy Star label to identify energy-saving products. For further energy savings, choose LED light bulbs, which typically use 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs.

Leaving your bathroom extractor fan on too long can remove heat from your home. Save energy by turning off your fan when you leave the bathroom.

Ventilating your bathroom can go a long way toward creating an energy-efficient environment; research reveals that it costs less to cool or heat a dry environment than a damp one. Improve the ventilation in your bathroom by leaving a window open when you’re taking a bath or shower.

Sealing any air leaks with caulk, weatherstrips, or sealant can cut your energy costs and create a healthier indoor environment. For best results, focus on filling gaps around your windows and plumbing.

Older water heaters can use more energy than new ones, so replacing them can help you cut your energy bills. When shopping for a new water heater, consider the size, fuel type, and energy efficiency before making a purchase.

Leaving appliances plugged in wastes energy, even when they’re not being used. Be sure to unplug your appliances after using them, or switch them off at the wall.

Learning how to conserve energy in the bathroom doesn’t have to be a challenge. By following the above tips, you can maximize your energy savings and cut your energy bills.

Since we covered outdoor lighting last time, this week we thought we would focus on lighting that you use more frequently. Everyone wants a house with good lighting. A bright house can fill you with energy or create a peaceful atmosphere. There are plenty of options out there for you if you are redoing your indoor lighting.

Pot lights are becoming a popular option in many homes over the last few years. Because pot lights are receded you can get a great “clean” look in any room. You can put many pot lights in one room without it looking busy or overwhelming. This also helps to give great light coverage from corner to corner.

In February we talked about adding a new chandelier to your home. This is a fantastic option for those with a big open space. A chandelier can bring the room together and look great. If you pick out the right one you can also add tons of light to a dark space. For those of you looking for something above and beyond this could be the right option.

Ceiling fans offer both functionality and aesthetics. We previously discussed the efficiencies’ of having a ceiling fan during the summer to keep your home cool. With a ceiling fan you can turn down your thermostat and let the fan regulate the air. Ceiling fans also come in a wide variety of styles, ensuring that there is one for every room. If you have an upper level room that is just getting too warm during the summer months, a ceiling fan is perfect for you.

Track lighting used to be bulky and unattractive. But the design has significantly improved over the years. Now you can find sleek designs with a combination of heads and lights. Track lighting allows you to focus the lights in the places that need it most. In a living room you can create a cool environment, or in a kitchen you can brighten up a workspace.

Each one of these lighting options can fit a different space. Take a look at your room and think about what works best for you.

1.  Size and install smartly:  Whether you are installing a crystal chandelier over your dining room table or as a central design feature in your master bedroom, the diameter and height of your fixture must be in proportion to other items in the room.  The diameter of a dining table fixture should be 12 inches less than the diameter of the dining table.  The height of the chandelier should allow for a clearance of 30 inches from table top to the bottom of the fixture.

Quoizel’s “Tricia” chandelier adds elegance to this contemporary dining room.  * Interior design by Sandra D’Amata International, Inc.

If your crystal chandelier will be a central focal point in your foyer, living room or master bedroom, take into account your ceiling height and choose a chandelier that may be installed to leave at least a 7-foot clearance from the floor to the bottom of the chandelier.

2.  Reflect Resplendence:  The true beauty in a crystal chandelier extends far past the light source, decorative finishing and crystal configuration.  Crystal facets reflect and refract a brilliant array of colors and illuminating effects, especially when combined with sunlight and/or electric light sources.  Matte finishes on furniture and surrounding walls work well with crystal illumination.  Avoid creating glare and unflattering shadows off metallic or shiny surfaces.

3.  Choose the Right Bulb: Most chandelier bulbs will be candelabra-based, yet what type of candelabra bulb you choose will make a tremendous difference in both the total presentation of your chandelier and the overall illumination in your room.

Crystorama’s “Mercer” chandelier–installed with dimmable LED candelabra bulbs–provides magnificent illumination in this master bathroom.*

Frosted bulbs provide a more subdued illumination. They are recommended for most traditional dining room chandeliers.  Clear bulbs work well with chrome finished retro-modern chandeliers and may add to the radiant sparkle of modern crystal chandeliers.

For a more traditional look, flame tip bulbs are the right choice.  Flame tip bulbs also look best in chandeliers with faux drip-candle holders.  Torpedo bulbs are less tapered and present a contemporary look.  Round bulbs add an eclectic vibe to a traditional chandelier.  Uniquely-shaped and/or textured candelabra bulbs may add a custom-designed artistry to your chandelier.