Saving money on electricity can have a significantly positive impact on your wallet. Flushing $20-$50/month down the drain is no longer wise nor acceptable in these uncertain economic times. Here are a few simple tips to stop the electricity waste in your home. Control the Power Hogs:
The AC
Program the thermostat to kick in the cool air an hour before you get home from work and turn it off about an hour after bedtime. Doing this could cut the average household electric bill by $180 or more a year, according to Energy Star which can help you save more money from your salary.
Keep AC filters clean so your system runs more efficiently. When you set your thermostat, keep in mind that every degree you lower it decreases costs by 6 percent.
You can keep the house cooler during the day by closing the windows, blinds and doors. Remember it takes 3 times the energy per degree to cool a room than to heat it. Saving money on electricity can be increased as well by closing doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the AC is running.Keep shades and blinds shut to keep the sun out.
On the week-end use ceiling fans and attic fans to move the air, they will help you keep the AC off during the less stifling hours. Don’t run your A/C when the outdoor temperature is below 70 degrees.
Size matters– If you don’t have central air- and are looking to buy a room or window unit, use Energy Star guidelines to ascertain your needs. Too-powerful a unit will not only waste energy, but is also less effective at reducing humidity.
The refrigerator
If you’ve had your fridge for a while, it might be worthwhile to get a more energy efficient model. It would pay for itself in a few short years by the savings obtained. In any case, check the energy settings.
Do you need it to be at 6 for coldest? Don’t make it so high that it will spoil the food, but a 3 or 4 setting could be amply sufficient. (very easy way of saving money on electricity) Check that the door closes properly and the seal is securely in place.
Open those doors only when needed-according to a leading Energy Magazine, door openings account for 7% of your fridge energy use
If you are in the market for a freezer- buy a chest type rather than an upright one. You lose all the cold air every time you open the door of an upright freezer.
The water heater
If yours is electric, studies show that it can use up to 20% of your monthly bill. Deal with it by wrapping it in a “hot water jacket” that will insulate the tank. This for a cost of only $10 or $20. While you are at it, lower the heater’s temperature to no higher than 120 degree.
The washing machine
Wash your clothes with cold water whenever possible. Unless you have heavily soiled items, hot water is unnecessary.This can save you up to $150 a year.
If you are in the market for a new machine, buy a front loading model, they are more energy efficient than top-loading ones.
Contact your power company and find the OFF-PEAK time when the electricity usage rate is lower. Do your chores then (e.g. washing clothes or dishes). In most cities it’s before 10am or after 10pm . Do only full loads – but don’t overload – you don’t want to damage your machine.
Saving money on electricity : for the Simple, Tried and True:
Buy(CFL)compact fluorescent light bulbs– They cost more but last 10 times as long and use only a 1/3 of a regular bulb’s power.
Turn Off your Lights when you leave a room and when you go out. Although it’s common sense most of us don’t do it. Think of what you could do with the money you save! It’s just a question of habit.
Minimize the use of a clothes Dryer. Keep the lint trap clean for more efficiency. Air dry your wet clothes whenever possible. Use a line outdoors or an airer indoors.(could save you up to $196 a year according to a leading energy saving research site)
Set up your PC, Printer, Scanner, Fax to go on “sleep mode” whenever not used for a predetermined number of minutes.(Could save up to $180 a year)
Turn off the TV, game console ,stereo, coffee maker, and other appliances when not in use.
Run ovens, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers early in the morning or late at night.
Cook in the microwave or outside on the grill to keep your kitchen cool
Turn off your Christmas lights at bed time and during the day. No one is going to see them and it minimizes the chance of accidents.
For the Long run
Installing or using Solar panels is one of the best modern strategies for saving money on electricity. Combined, these tips make saving on electricity add up to a big deal on your utility bills. This can help you pay down a car loan or any other debt faster, thus putting you one step closer to your goals.