1. Temperature. The heating and cooling systems in your home use the most electricity. You want to be comfortable, but be conscientious, too. During the summer months, try to keep the temperature in your house as warm as you can and still be comfortable. During the winter months, do the opposite. Stay warm, but try not to crank up the heat to incredibly high temperatures.
2. Light bulbs. Change out your traditional bulbs with fluorescent or energy-saver bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs use significantly less energy to operate, and energy-saver and LED bulbs use much, much less.
3. Old appliances. Either replace them, or change your thinking about them. Instead of using that ancient fridge, get a new, energy-saving fridge. If you keep that old fridge, scoot it away from the wall—this will save energy. Also, keep the coils clean.
4. Cooking. Always choose the littlest appliance that you can when you are cooking. For example, if you are tempted to use the oven, consider whether or not the microwave or toaster would do instead. The oven uses a giant amount of energy. When you do use the oven, cook up enough to result in leftover food.
5. Unplug. While turning of appliances and lights is good, you should also unplug all of your electric appliances when you are finished with them. These appliances still suck up energy through their cords when those cords are plugged into a socket. Don’t waste energy this way; go ahead and unplug them!
Tons of money can be saved by simply following these relatively easy, nearly common-sense tips. Start making little changes, and see big changes in your electric bill! ( read more )
