How many of you have switched over to energy efficient light bulbs? For those who have how much did you save on average per month on your electric bill. DH and I bought a new house a couple months ago and the electric bill is running around $145/mnth (the electric company told us that $150 is the average for this house). The house is really small so I was not happy with this unpleasant surprise. I'm not being careless with electricity either.

In the past year, we've installed a new furnace, new energy efficient dryer, replaced a ton of light bulbs w/ the energy efficient kind. We also installed a newer energy efficient dishwasher and gas stove the year previous.
Difference in our gas or electric bills? Zero. The rate increases have eaten up any savings we might have seen.

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We use a few of them but they seem to blow out quciker than they should. However we did start unplugging things we don't use often like our toaster oven, couple lamps, and a few other things. We also turn off the lights, tv, computer, etc when not in use. So our electric bill went from $145 to $80 a month ( we are on a budget plan). You can get it lower just going to take some time to figure out what works for you.

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~Maryellen

thanks for your input girls. So I guess I should unplug stuff that I'm not using and turn off the computer overnight. I usually keep it on 24 hours a day...DH insists that it does not use more energy but I have always thought that it did. I'll get one pack of the light bulbs to see if it makes any difference rather than replacing every bulb in the house. If it does make a difference I'll replace them all I guess.

I have, and they are a waste in my opinion. I didn't notice a change in the electric bill at all and they do NOT last as long as they say they are supposed to. I'm not just replacing them with incandescent. I called the company I bought mine from and asked them why they didn't last and they said those bulbs last longer if you keep them on longer or something like that. Basically he said they weren't really meant for a room that the bulbs aren't on for a long time (like a closet, etc)

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Formerly Mommy2Ryan

We have them but we put them in right when we moved into this house so I can't compare prices.

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A woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.-Eleanor Roosevelt

I've read up on these bulbs. They do last longer, but if they are "used" (like turned on and off frequently) they burn themselves out. So, they work great in rooms (living, kitchen) where the light is on for a period of time. But for a hallway or anywhere the light is not on for minimum of ~ 10 minutes, they will burn out with all the on/off cycling, you're better off in those cases with the old fashioned bulbs.

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I just wanna live while I'm alive...

Just a reminder...hope you applied for your rebate from your electric company for these purchases! Our area gives us $25 for each new energy efficient purchase (with some limit)

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I just wanna live while I'm alive...

Another thing to look into is to see if your electric company has that program where the rates vary during the day. We signed up for this program before kids and did all our laundry, etc., after 9 pm when rates were lowest. Of course, now with kids, we can't, but the program is still around. During the spring, summer and fall we hang out our laundry. Also, can you get a discount if you pay online? We have that program too. And definitely unplug those appliances and chargers, they definitely use up electricity. Check out your local electric company website for ideas.

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I just wanna live while I'm alive...

We have started using them all over the house. We haven't had a change in our bill because we are on an equal payment plan but they do seem to last alot longer than the other bulbs.

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"When people can walk away from you, let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anyone that left." Jakes