How to cut your electric bill

Another triple digit energy bill this month? Yikes. If your a college student like I am, every buck in your pocket counts. Here are some tricks and tips to slim down your electric bill. My electric bill averages about $18 every two months.

Things You'll Need

• energy efficient light bulbs
• a below zero sleeping bag
• weathering strip

Instructions

1. The first thing I do when I move into a new place is replace all the light bulbs. Standard lighbulbs use between 60-120 watts, you can replace these lightbulbs with energy efficient light bulbs that will give off the same amount of light but only use 10-18 watts of energy.

2. turn down the temperature on your freezer and refrigerator. Most people keep their freezers on the coldest possible setting. Try reducing the setting to a "5" or lower. I set mine to "2". It still keeps food cold but uses much less energy.

3. Buy a below zero sleeping bag. Seriously, these things keep you warm at night..they are meant for below zero temperature...for goodness sakes. Tip: take your below zero sleeping bag and place it inside a duvet cover, so it keeps you warm and looks nice too. Using a below zero sleeping bag during cooler times of the year, will reduce the need to crank up the heat at night.

4. Check doors and windows for cracks and gaps between the frames where heat can escape and cold air can enter. You can place weather stripping to fill these areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Have plenty of sweaters close by for those cold nights.

• wear socks at night

• candles are always a good alternative to lighting, especially around dinner time.

• if you have a wood buring fireplace, use it...it gives off great heat and light..and its cheap.