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!13 Easy Ways to Save on
Electricity
by Cyndi Roberts
1. Be diligent about turning off lights when you leave a room and teach
your children to do the same.
2. Use ceiling fans or personal fans
instead of air conditioning. I have an 8" fan set up where it will blow
directly on me when I am ironing, so I don't have to turn on the air
conditioner. Open your windows during the cool part of the day and use
ceiling fans to help circulate the cool air.
3. Use your microwave instead of your regular oven when you can; it uses
less electricity and doesn't heat up the room.
4. Change from incandescent to fluorescent bulbs in your light fixtures.
5. Turn off your dishwasher during the dry cycle and let the dishes air
dry.
6. During cold weather, after baking in your oven, turn it off and open
the door, allowing the heat to help warm the room.
7. When buying new appliances, buy the most energy- efficient model you
can afford.
8. Consider using insulated drapes and/or shades on your windows.
9. Try lowering the temperature on your water heater. Gradually lower it
until you find the lowest temp you can live with. Even a few degrees can
add up to savings on your utility bill.
10. Install an inexpensive insulated wrap on your water heater. Also,
remember to just turn it off when you are going to be away from home for
several days.
11. Call your electric company and ask if the rates are lower during
certain "off-peak" hours. If so, plan to use your electric appliances
during those times. For example, washing dishes, clothes and maybe doing
some baking.
12. Air dry your clothes when possible. Your dryer is one of the biggest
energy users in your home.
13. Experiment with washing your clothes in cold or at least warm water
instead of hot. Washing even a few of your loads in cold water can save
money.
There can be no economy where there is no efficiency. - Benjamin Disraeli
Cyndi Roberts may be contacted at http://www.cynroberts.com
editor@cynroberts.com
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the "1
Frugal Friend 2 Another" bi-weekly newsletter and founder of the website
of the same name. Visit http://www.cynroberts.com to find creative tips, articles, and a free
e-cooking book. Subscribe to the newsletter and receive the free e-course
"Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".
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