How to Lower Your Electric Bill

Here are a few things you can do to save money on your electric bill.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• CFL Light Blubs

1. Change all your standard incandescent light bulbs to CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) Energy Star qualified light bulbs. Energy Star qualified light bulbs use 75% less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs and they last up to 10 times longer.

2. Switch to energy saver appliances. Your refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer and clothes dryer and other large appliances account for about 20% of your household's energy consumption

3. Install ceiling fans to keep the air in your home circulating.

4. 

   Unplug computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, microwaves, etc. Plug these items into a power strip and turn them off when not using them. This is an especially good tip if you are going out of town.

5. Change your HVAC systems filters every 30 days to keep it running at peak efficiency.

6. 

   Hang your laundry on a clothesline in your backyard.

7. Turn off the heat on your dishwasher.

8. Find out if your utility company takes advantage of off peak rates, if it does run your dishwasher and wash laundry during those off peak times.

9. 

   Only wash full loads of clothes and if possible wash clothes in cold water.

10. Install a programmable thermostat and run it less when you are sleeping or not at home. Set the thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer.

11. 

    Turn lights out and TV off when you are not in the room.

12. Use your microwave instead of cooking in the oven.

13. Get an energy audit from your utility company if they provide one.

14. Lower the temperature on your hot water heater to 130-140 degrees.

[cherioberle]

on 9/5/2009 I think that if you unplug all the things that are not in use at the time I.E...cell phone cords, curling irons,fans ect.. then that would also help cut down on the electricity currents.

[minton7]

on 8/15/2009 Would seem that many of your ideas cost way more tha nthey save.. buying all new appliances and light bulbs.. alot of upfront $$. WHile you save on your electric bill, you spend alot of $$ on the other things.

[deshmukh]

on 11/10/2008 Great information! Being an engineer I definitely approve this information. Thanks! 5 stars

[MaryKBrennan]

on 10/28/2008 I'm posting this article to my favorites so I don't forget to do these things before winter. Thanks.

[Toyya]

on 10/22/2008 Thanks for the energy saving tips.