How to Conserve Energy and Reduce Your Electric Bill

Changing habits are hard, but not life threatening. With a little effort and some common sense, you can form new habits that may save you some money. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Willingness to change some habits
• Become aware of some of the things you do
• Be observant

How to Conserve Energy and Reduce Your Electric Bill

1. Only wash full loads of laundry or dishes. If you must wash a partial load of clothing, make sure to change the setting to accommodate for a smaller load.

2. Turn off lights and electronic appliances when you leave a room. Replace incandescent bulbs with longer lasting, energy efficient fluorescent bulbs. Install dimmer switches.

3. Buy power surge "smart strips" for your electronics. When you turn off the power strip, there will be no residual power going to your appliances, like your TV, DVD player and computer. This can save you quite a bit on your electric bill, considering up to 40 percent of the normal current used when the appliance is on is also being used when it's off!

4. Install a clothes line. Dry your clothes on the line instead of using a dryer. It saves energy and you don't have static cling!

5. Cut back on the amount of time you watch TV. Read a book, take up a hobby, or spend some time outside.

6. Use natural lighting when possible. Open the windows and let the sunshine in!

Tips & Warnings

• It takes 3 to 4 weeks of constantly practicing a new habit to make it stick. Don't get discouraged if you forget sometimes.