eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Save Money on Your Electric Bill

Member
By gottalovelattes
User-Submitted Article
(5 Ratings)
We've come a long way...
We've come a long way...

Pinching pennies has become a way of life for Americans and saving money by altering the way we use the electrical components and fixtures in our homes can really add up over the course of a year. Here are some tips to get you started.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Dedication
  1. Step 1

    CHANGE YOUR LIGHT BULBS to CFL bulbs (Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs). Although these bulbs generally cost more initially than others, these widely available lightbulbs can really save you money over the life of the bulb (up to $40 per bulb). Compact fluorescent light bulbs are better for the environment as well. The EPA recommends CFLs because the amount of energy to light these bulbs is about 75% less than traditional bulbs. CFLs are recommended when a lighting fixture is used for more than 15 minutes at a time or daily for over a few hours. See links below for some great additional benefits of switching over to these lights.

  2. Step 2

    TURN the TV OFF! And everything else that is generally left on when not in use. This also means room lights, fans (unless leaving them on is economically beneficial because of more efficient airflow). And when practical, you should actually unplug anything in your electrical sockets. Even though a hairdryer, for example, is turned off, the outlet receives "standby power" which can be significant taking into account that it's not even in use. You can also use power strips with a power on/off switch. this will ensure that no current is being drawn.

  3. Step 3

    CLEAN (if re-usable) or REPLACE (if disposable) your Furnace and Central Air Conditioner Filters at least once a month. A clean air filter means freer airflow and that results in a more efficient climate control system which equals...energy savings!

  4. Step 4

    Check out your local power company's website. Most have a section specifically related to energy saving tips.

Comments  

starlet67 said

Flag This Comment

on 6/3/2009 good advice for saving money on electric bills!5*

Flag This Comment

on 2/21/2009 Good ways to save on electricity. Thanks.

JIN1128 said

Flag This Comment

on 2/21/2009 Thanks for the tip

Flag This Comment

on 2/21/2009 5* good tips!

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Home & Garden
Ruby Bayan,

Meet Ruby Bayan eHow's Home & Garden Expert.

Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden