Does anyone have any ideas on saving on electric?? I have been trying things but in the long run my bill has been going up!! Please help.

1. dry clothes outside or string up a line in the basement to hang them on.
2. use ceiling fans as much as possible--cheaper than ac
3. turn off lights and tv when not in use
4. I read that you can unplug things (toaster, microwave, etc) when not in use. Something about ghost electicity--small amounts still going to these items even though they aren't in use.
5. wash dishes by hand or if you have to run the dishwasher, run it only when it's full
6. wash only full loads of laundry

If you must run your A/C (which we do - I don't care how much it costs - I can't stand the heat) set it two degrees higher than you usually do. We set ours higher this year and I don't really notice the difference and our bills have stayed the same as last year even though our rates have increased.

If you're hot water heater is electric then you can rinse dishes in cold water to keep it from having to refil unnecessarily.

I also heard about "ghost electricity" Things like cell phone chargers use 70% of the required electricty even if they are plugged in, but not in use.

Turn your computer off in the evening when you go to bed. This is supposed to be a big energy user in the house.

I have our utilities on a level pay program so we pay the same amount each month all year long!

__________________
Mommy to Hope (10.10.06)
Monkey mommy to Allyson (10.13.02)

Switch to compact flourescent bulbs.
Upgrade to energy efficient appliances (We upgraded our large a/c unit and it paid for itself in 1 season).
Close shades/blinds when it is hot, open when it chilly.
Use drapes in the winter to keep out cold air/summer to keep out the hot sun.
Use more fans/ceiling fans to keep cool.
Use energy efficient night lights in rooms to keep from turning on the light in the bathroom or kitchen every time you run in for just a minute or two.

Good topic and good suggestions. I have been doing a lot of research and have gone to some seminars. From my notes:

Foremost, be aware of what is drawing electricity. Yes, many things draw when you aren't using the item. Think about the tv, dvd, stereo, computer, microwave, rechargers, printers, toaster ovens. It adds up. It is easier to turn them off when they are on a power strip that you can reach.

I heard one suggestion that no one ever does, but is worth thinking about. Put yourself on a power budget. We do it for food and other things. If you feel that thebill and usage is out of line with what the convenience is worth to you, just limit it. Doing so would force you to know what appliances are drawing and what can be turned off. You could reevaluate your whole lifestyle. Ultimately, you may decide that electricity is so valuable to you, that you don't mind the dollars. then you can go on to economize in other areas that are less important.

This thought process is useful. Realigning our lifestyles with our values should be an ongoing project.

I know a slew of people who decided that tv wasted their valuable time and dollars and just got rid of it.

Cathleen

I wish my husband would let me get rid of the tv!!!

See if your electric company has a time advantage plan. Electricity is cheaper on "off peak" hours on this plan and you should be sure to do all of your electirc usage then- dishwasher, laundry, vacuuum, and oven baking.

Is your hot water tank electric? put it on a timer so that it's not making hot water all day. Limit showers to 5 minutes.
Open your dishwasher to air dy rather than electric dry. Germs are already dead from the hot water.
Wash your clothes on COLD COLD. and use the shortest possible wash cycle. Clothes do not need to agitate for 14 minutes.
BBQ instead of baking.
Cover windows with thermal drapes to block sun. Open them in winter to let the sun in for free heat.
does it cool off at night where you live? ( it doesn't here) but if it does, open all your windows at night for cross ventilation, then close them all during the day and close the blinds to keep the cool air in. ( thisonly works for us in spring and fall, but it does work)

visit your electric company website. They also will have other suggestions, and offer rebates for things like newer a/c unit, flourecent bulbs,solar and other money saving tips.

Hi,

I have cut my electric bill by $35.00 per month by switching to energy efficent light blubs, washing and drying clothes after 9:00pm (our utility rate goes down then, my realtor told this tidbit) If I have the oven at dinner time to bake something I go ahead and bake muffins for the next day's breakfast or I'll bake chicken for a casserole to use sometime in the week. Also, I noticed I can cut my drying time on most of the laundry I do by 10 minutes which really adds up over the month. I change my filters religiously on my heat and a/c units. I unplug any appliance that is not in use, ie: toaster, coffee pot, can opener, stand mixer, battery chargers, etc... I hope that this helps!!! Take care and good luck.

Michelle

Thanks so much!!! I haven't thought of some of those things so we will br trying them to see if it works!! :happy dance: