Most homeowners want to save energy on their property to reduce the cost of their electric bill each month and also reduce their carbon footprint. Fortunately, several changes can be made to save energy throughout the year without having to change your lifestyle or level of comfort. Here are a few tips to follow to begin saving energy throughout the year in the Alberta area.Install Energy-Efficient WindowsHomes with old or outdated windows are prone to using more energy due to drafts that are present. By installing energy-efficient windows, you can insulate the building and prevent air from escaping or entering the building. Replace single-pane windows with double-pane windows, which can reduce heat loss by up to 20 percent. The upgrade can also allow you to obtain tax benefits through the government and even boost your property value, which can make it worth the investment. The amount of money that you can potentially save over time can also allow the windows to pay for themselves.Install a Programmable ThermostatProgrammable thermostats are essential to use to maintain the climate in the building. It will automatically reduce or increase the heat or cool air at various times of the day, especially at night when residents are sleeping. Most thermostats save an average of $180 annually and can be adjusted to your schedule throughout the week to ensure you can continue to remain comfortable in the house.Change Your HabitsIt can be convenient to leave your devices plugged in at night or when they're not in use, but this can significantly increase your energy usage. Energy consumption begins with unplugging computers, televisions, and certain appliances when they're not in use to avoid using unnecessary energy. You can also make a habit out of shutting off lights in various rooms of the home that aren't in use. Consider using a home energy monitor to determine which appliances are using the most energy. Some of the products may also need to be replaced with more energy-efficient options if the current ones are outdated.If you need to do the laundry or running the dishwasher, opt for operating the appliances after nine p.m. and before nine a.m., which is when it's off-peak. You can take advantage of up to 50 percent in energy savings during this time of the day without having to limit the number of loads that you do.Use Solar LightsSolar lights are increasing in popularity because they're economical and are easy to install. They can allow you to illuminate the exterior of your home to boost your curb appeal and also increase the security in your yard. Solar lights use the energy from the sun to illuminate each day, which means you won't have to spend any money to turn them on each day. If you need a bright light on certain walkways, consider motion sensor lights, which only turn on when someone walks by and can startle a possible intruder and make them visible. You can continue to light up your property at night without keeping the light on for several hours.Use Fixed-Rate EnergyAn easy way of controlling how much energy you use each month is by signing up for a fixed-rate energy plan through electricity providers in Alberta. You can select a plan based on how much energy you consume to limit how much is used and stay within your limits to avoid wasting excess energy. Choosing a specific plan can also allow you to decide how much you want to spend on your bill each month.Replace Your BulbsMore homes are replacing their CFL bulbs with LED lights, which are known to be more energy-efficient and have longer lifespans. LED lights last an average of 60,000 hours and are 90 percent more efficient. They also offer higher safety and reduced maintenance costs, making them convenient to use in each room.Knowing how you may be wasting energy on your residential property can make you more aware of how to begin conserving it. With the right changes implemented, it can allow you to only use what you need while spending time in your home.Image by Colin Behrens from Pixabay