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Step 1
Perhaps the easiest way to reduce electricity usage is to turn off the lights when you are not in a room. Also consider opening up your window shades/blinds and allowing the sun to lighten up your rooms when possible.
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Step 2
Adjust your thermostat. By increasing the set temperature by a few degrees in the summer and lowering it in the winter, you can save a great deal of electricity. Some statistics show that every degree you change the temperature will create up to a 3% change in energy costs.
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Step 3
Install an electronic programmable thermostat. You can find these at any home improvement store, and they are simple to install. An electronic thermostat can be programmed to change the temperature after you have left for work, and then change it again just before you come home.
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Step 4
Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Although the initial cost will be more than standard light bulbs, in the end you will see the savings. CFLs last much longer than the standard light bulb (Manufacturers claim 10 to 13 times longer, and many offer a money back guarantee). Also, they use around 1/3 less electricity than the standard bulbs. If cost is an issue, you might consider taking a few weeks or months and each week/month purchasing the light bulbs necessary to replace the old ones in one room. Continue doing this until all of the light bulbs in your house have been converted.
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Step 5
Use power strips for your appliances. When your appliances are not in use, switch the power strip off. Remember, appliances that are plugged in to an outlet are still using power even if they are turned off.
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Step 6
When weather permits, cook outdoors on your grill and hang your clothes out to dry. This will save on the electricity used by your stove and clothes dryer.
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Step 7
Turn off the television, video game systems, radio, etc and enjoy time outside. Play a game of tag or touch football with the kiddies. Not only will you be saving electricity, but your family will be spending quality time together and getting some exercise!
