If you are pinching pennies, it can be very frustrating to watch your power bill climb higher every month. The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce your electric bill without too much sacrifice on your part. The main secret to reduce your electric bill is to implement energy saving strategies and then be vigilant in making sure they are all followed. Small changes can add up to big savings. Here are some ideas to help you implement energy savings so you can reduce your electric bill:
Reduce your electric bill idea #1: Wash only full loads in the washing machine, and only use the cold water setting.
You do not need to use the hot water setting on your clothes washer to get your clothing clean. Using hot water requires your water heater to run and that causes more energy use. We wash all our clothes in cold water and have been very satisfied with the results.
Reduce your electric bill idea #2: Turn off the lights when you are not in a room.
This sounds simple enough and is a very easy way to reduce your electric bill. However, in reality we are all guilty of leaving a light on now and then. If you have children you know they can have poor habits when it comes to turning off the lights. Train everyone in the household to turn off lights when they exit a room. It will eventually become a habit.
Reduce your electric bill idea #3: Don’t run your dishwasher with a partial load.
Make it a habit to only run full loads. When using the dishwasher turn off the heat setting, and use the regular air dry setting. If you need to get the dishes dry more quickly, just open the dishwasher door to help speed the drying time.
Reduce your electric bill idea #4: Use the clothes dryer as little as possible.
Try a clothes line or towel drying rack to dry your clothing or to speed drying time. I recently purchased a towel drying rack that has significantly reduced our need for using the dryer. Besides, using the dryer during the summer months really heats up the house.
Reduce your electric bill idea #5: Keep a check on the setting for the A/C.
Keep your air conditioner set to the highest comfortable setting and turn it up a few degrees when you are going to be away from home. Also be sure to regularly clean the A/C filter.
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4 responses so far ↓
1 Lulu // Jul 25, 2007 at 3:48 pm
You can also take advantage of natural light. I open all the blinds and let the sunshine in. I bought 4 solar lights at WalMart for $14.99. These stay out on the porch all day to charge and then I take them in at night and place in the bathroom and kitchen so I do not have to turn on the lights.
2 thewalletsaver // Jul 26, 2007 at 2:39 am
I also recommend these tips to help save on your electric bill.
-Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs
-Turn off your computer
-Use an LCD monitor instead of a CRT. Also easier on the eyes.
-Use energy saving appliances
3 Gas Man // Jul 26, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Another way to reduce your electric bill is a little secret utility companies do not tell you about. Time of Use Electric rates….basically if you shift your major electric use (laundry, air conditioning) to off peak hours after 7pm…your costs shift from $0.18/kwh (NYC) to as little as $0.01/kwh…..average $0.06kwh. I have a 3,800SF house and my monthly electric bills is approximately $125.00 in the summer ..in the winter a 3rd less….
Depending on where you are…your rates may differ:
Just google TOU Rates or Time of Day or visit your local utility website..look in the rates and tariff section.
4 Angie // Feb 14, 2009 at 8:00 am
This was very very helpful! especially the previous entry from gasman. My electic bill increased over 18% from last year. I keep my thero. stat set on 67 to 68 in winter and about 69 to 70 in summer (menopause)LOL I have a 2600 sq. foot 2 story home and keep the 2nd story thermo set at even higher levels in winter lower in winter and higer in summer. So any other suggestions I am greatful for. Do computers left on really draw that much power. Should we shut them down or unplug them? I usually put my on sleep or shut down. I have a laptop and my husband has a desk top. HELP!
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