What are some tips to save on energy bill?

Question

example: un-pluging washer and dryer when not in use....

Answer 1

Keep your thermostat at 68 during the winter and 76 during the summer.

Better yet, install a programmable thermostat that adjusts the temperature while you're gone and/or while you're sleeping at night (cooler during the winter, warmer during the summer).

Make sure your windows are all properly sealed. Your window coverings can also make a difference: Letting in more light during the daytime in the winter allows the sun to naturally warm the interior, causing the heater to go on less often. Conversely, at night one or two good layers of curtains(like sheers layered with thick opaque drapes) or a sturdy set of blinds will help create an insulating layer between your windows and the interior, preserving your home's heat longer. In the summer, shades and thick curtains keep sunlight out, keeping the house cooler longer.

Consider landscaping. A strategically placed plant or tree (or two or three) will offer shade during the heat of summer and a windbreak during the chilly winter when the winds blow.

Replace all of your incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs... you will use MUCH less energy and, during the summer, generate a lot less extra heat... you'll be amazed at how much you'll save... As a side note, I've also noticed that many newer homes in the town that I live in have been fitted with MULTIPLE light fixtures that hold MULTIPLE light bulbs... which in some cases seems completely unnecessary. Granted there are usually one or two key locations where a fixture with multiple sockets is ideal (like a dining table)... but for EVERY fixture of the home??!?!?! Consider eventually replacing multi-socket light fixtures with single socket fixtures down the road (that can accomodate fluorescent bulbs).

Something as simple as washing with cold water, rather than warm/hot, can save tremendous amounts of energy over the long run... and detergents are starting to be formulated to offer effective cleaning, even for whites, in cold water.

I've also heard that many hardware places offer special insulating covers for water heaters now, in an endeavor to prevent radiant heat loss... which means it kicks on less frequently to maintain its set temperature... and that brings me to my last idea: lower the temperature on your water heater (if it's not already low). Don't make it so that your water's luke warm, but just lowering it a tiny amount can save a significant amount of energy.

Regarding unplugging appliances.... my understanding is that plugged-in appliances (except refrigerators) use miniscule amounts of energy... such an inconsequential amount, that it hardly seems worth going through the trouble.

That having been said, if you DO have an extra refrigerator, even a mini fridge, consider getting rid of it (if you can live without it). My in-laws have a mini-fridge that they only plug in during family gatherings (for more cold storage space). Otherwise, they leave it unplugged. An extra refrigerator can add close to $30 a month extra in energy costs to your bill....

Hope even one of these ideas/pointers proves useful to you. Best of luck!

Answer 2

Unplugging appliances might save a few pennies but what abut the house itself. Look and feel for cold air coming in around doors, window frames, light switches. That can be stopped with various types of insulating strips, foam etc on the market today.
Is the attic well insulated? That can be a DIY project.
How often do you change the furnace filter? A dirty filter can cost you plenty. What size bulbs are you using and what kind. There are numerous light bulbs that save energy. What temperature is your hot water tank? Can it be turned down a little? What temperature do you keep the thermostat set at. Keep it in the 67-69 range for comfort and savings.
There are many more if you need them.

Answer 3

Get some small low wattage lamps...ones that are cheaper and that use a clear night light bulb.(Dollar stores, Big Lots, etc.) When you come home at night, put these on ONLY...one in the kitchen...living room...bathroom, bedroom.
You will be surprised how much light they provide and how much $ you will save. Turn off your computer when not using it. ..like when your are gone during the day at work! How about turning the heat down a few degrees...especially when at work...if you live in a warmer climate...turn the switch for the heat off during the day...no electricity to heat the water when you aren't home for 10 hours. Good Luck

Answer 4

the biggest is probably turn down your thermostats by 2 degrees for heating and 10 to15 degrees for hot water.. never use the oven for just one dish, make 4 or 5 things at one time. I make sure I have a whole meal that can be baked when i use the oven, or make multiple cakes at a time and freeze the unused ones. Fill your freezer with bottles of water. a full freezer uses less electricity, and you have ice available for coolers or if the power goes off.. Turn off the dishwasher b efore the last cycle, and let your dishes air dry, and never use the sani-cycle. Use cold water to wash all your clothes. and hang your laundry outside to dry

Answer 5

Unplug EVERYTHING at night, and u can save almost 1000 bucks. But u have 2 unplug EVERYTHING, includindeing TV PC and telephone. Even just turning off all ur lights and maybe even small things like unplugging ur TOASTER can help! Good luck!

Answer 6

Easy, Don't use your household appliances! (sorry a little humor goes a long way ) LOL!