Eco-friendly. Carbon footprint. Global warming. Energy efficient. These catch phrases have become part of the lexicon as citizens have become more aware of their impact on the environment and their role in protecting it.

As a homeowner, there are some simple, inexpensive steps that can be taken to make a home energyefficient. Get started on the road to being "green" with these five tips.

*Change light bulbs. By replacing just five incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, homeowners can save $100 per year on electric bills while using up to 75 percent less energy and removing greenhouse gases from the environment.

*Buy ENERGY STAR appliances. ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and air conditioners, met a higher level of energy efficiency set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy than standard models. According to ENERGY STAR, if just one in 10 homes used ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, the impact could be compared to planting 1.7-million new acres of trees.

And, switching to these appliances is not only good for the environment but easy on the pocketbook. Although these appliances cost more, homeowners can reduce their energy bill by $80 per year.

*Seal up. Cracks and air leaks represent cash seeping from doors and windows. Get rid of air leads in doors, windows and other area by caulking gaps and cracks. This will help decreased heating and air conditioning bills, but make sure to use silicone sealants. Acrylic caulk tends to shrink, while silicone sealants are waterproof and won't shrink or crack, creating less waste.

*Use less water. Roughly 60 percent of a home's water consumption takes place in the bathroom, according to the California Urban Water Conservation Council. The largest culprit is the toilet, which accounts for 27 percent of household supply every year.

By installing low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets, homeowners can save thousands of gallons of water each year. In addition, replace leaky fixtures. That slow-dripping faucet can waste as much as 2,400 gallons of water per year.

*Adjust the thermostat. When adjusting the home thermostat, the rule of thumb should be turn up the dial in the summer and down in the winter. Lowering the temperature by just one degree will reduce electrical costs.

By using a programmable thermostat, homeowners can program air-conditioning and heating systems to reduce output while no one is at home or at night while residents are sleeping. Ceiling fans are also helpful in circulating the air to keep the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Gong green doesn't have to be overwhelming or costly. By making just a few small changes within the home, homeowners can help decrease energy consumption and help make the world a "greener" place.