We've got to stop leaving the lights on, folks.

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A recent study revealed that Alabama ranks VERY low for energy efficiency.

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WalletHub based their study on the average American household's energy use. They examined both their "auto- and home-energy efficiency." Here's what most households spend:

  • $2,000/year on utilities
  • $3,120/year on motor fuel and oil

If you spend last than that--you're doing great! If you spend more...not so much.

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The Best Ones

Here are the states that scored in the top five:

  1. Utah - score: 87.58
  2. Massachusetts - score: 85.86
  3. Vermont - score: 85.06
  4. New York - score: 82.93
  5. Rhode Island - score: 81.46

And scoring well doesn't just give these states bragging rights--it also means they're saving money. The Department of Energy said that reducing energy spent in the home can "reduce a family's utility costs by as much as 25 percent."

That's some good cash!

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But where does Alabama actually rank...? Unfortunately out of the 48 states studied, we're sitting down at the bottom at #46.

  • 44. Arkansas - score: 39.57
  • 45. Mississippi - score: 37.36
  • 46. Alabama - score: 34.37
  • 47. West Virginia - 31.03
  • 48. South Carolina - 24.24

Aww, man...even Mississippi is better than us. What can we do to get better? A few simple things actually!

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What To Do About It

Although you've probably heard it a thousand times, shutting off lights can really make a difference. Even if your house has newer, more efficient bulbs.

"Now that [people] have LED lamps installed, they think it does not matter if they stay on all day/night," said professional engineer, Georg Reichard.

Furthermore, just because you have an upgraded heating/cooling system doesn't mean you should get comfortable cranking it up or down.

Changing the temperature by just one degree can save "as much as 3-5% on your monthly gas and electric bills," said expert Jim Rossi.

I know it gets hot in Alabama, but I believe in us!

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