Any 'real' tips on how to save money on electric bill?

Question

700 sqft apt, $133 this mo. thats quite a bit around here. i hear about energy bulbs and things like that. What can save me the most money, for get the green movement for a minute

Answer 1

Changing bulbs is a start but you really have to change them all if you want it to work.

Most electric programs offer a discount if you sign up for their program that charges you higher rates during "peak" times and lower rates durning the daytime (this is best for people who work in the evenings, but can work for anyone who is committed to saving energy, usually the peak time is from 3 until 8 or 9pm, so it is do-able. Here is a link to MY electric companies energy saver program....http://www.xcelenergy.com/XLWEB/CDA/0,3080,1-1-2_738_22137-20030-2_358_567-0,00.html

Another way to reduce your bill is to eliminate "phantom load" All those apliances we leave plugged in during non use are still pulling electricity. So unplug EVERY thing you don't need (ie toaster, coffee makers, fans, curling irons, hair dryers, TVs *leave TiVo pluged in so she can record your shows LOL*, ect)

Answer 2

Unfortunately, it is electric heat and air conditioning that consume the most power, and there's comparatively little we can do about these. Changing your lightbulbs to compact fluorescents won't do much one way or the other. If you have electric heat, you can save some money in winter by keeping the thermostat low at night and using an electric blanket. As for summer, a programmable thermostat might or might not be helpful. It won't help at all of you've just got a window air-conditioner unit. If your air conditioner/heating system has any filters, make sure that they're clean.

See if you can get access to your own electric meter and learn to read it--there are instructions on the website listed on your electric bill.

There are a good many appliances that won't make any difference in your bill--at least not that you'd notice. These include almost all electronic devices, like radios, chargers, computers, TV sets, big home theaters, DVD players, and all other stuff like that. Their power requirements, even at full blast, are almost nothing. So don't try economizing on them.

If you can do anything about air leakage at windows and doors, it might help a good deal with heating and a certain amount with cooling. Also, examine your use of hot water if you have an electric hot water heater. These can eat up a lot of power, and if you have a teenager in the house they'll use up a lot more.

Almost all of these bits of advice and more are available from your electric company. There are, unfortunately, no secrets to saving on energy except the obvious ones.

Answer 3

KB,

I am an engineer for the electric company. There are many small things you can do to lower your electric bill:

First, never turn your AC or heat off when you go to work or where ever. In the summer, lower increase the temperature by 7 degrees when you leave the house (in the winter, lower it by 7 degrees). When you get back home adjust it by 7 degrees. Your system will work less to get to a comfortable temperature.

Increase the notch in your fridge and freezer by 1 or more. Whatever is comfortable to you.

Lower your hot water heater by a notch (10 degrees). You won't notice the difference.

Keep your shades/blinds closed during the day in the summer.

Take showers instead of baths (take 1 luxury bath a week).

Use http://www.Blackle.com for your search engine and keep your computer equipment off (if possible) during the day when you are not home).

Answer 4

Unplug anything that you don't use on a daily basis. If you have "night-lights" - Ditch 'em. It will help a little - maybe a few $ a month. The light bulbs do help, but they can be pricey. Try replacing 2 or 3 to start, in hall ways or something like that. Also, the old "turn the lights off" helps.

Answer 5

Hello

You can do the following, use a reactive-active power converter that device reduce to zero your energy bill, it transforms the reactive power the electrical meter don't register, to active power for practical use

Here is one of that devices

http://www.gratisweb.com/econo/Eng/Ecoe.htm


There is a paper you can download for free for build the device


Bye

Answer 6

Caulk around your windows, put insulation in your attic, shade your sunny walls, shade your outside a/c unit, turn down your water heater, turn up your fridg, hang your clothes outside instead of drying, bigger and less loads in the washer, turn off lights and things not in use, clean your a/c filters, have your a/c unit cleaned, cover your windows with heat insulating room darkening shades, blinds, and curtains, slow down the inside/outside traffic and keep your doors closed, keep the fridg doors closed, use dishwasher instead of hand washing, and on and on. . .

Answer 7

Turn off computers and TV unless you are using them. If you have air conditioning don't use it unless needed. Close drapes when the sun is hitting the windows open windows to let night air in. Don't cook more than needed.