Just about everyone knows the importance of saving electricity, an invaluable resource that’s crucial to our everyday lives. It’s also something that many of us take for granted, both its costs and how we budget it into our monthly payment cycle.
Cost cutting tactics such as switching off the lights when you leave a room are widely recommended and used by the masses. Everyone is trying to save a buck or two on their monthly bill. We’re taking this a few steps further with 5 additional tips to save on your annual electric expense.
- Light bulbs, not switches- Do you really need such high wattage in the hallway? When you think about it, what is it that you do in the hallway? You walk from one room to another, so why have super-bright bulbs? You can refer to your new, dimmer atmosphere as “mood lighting in the hall.” Also, you need to check out the wide variety of newly crafted fluorescent bulbs, because they now offer a much more natural looking light source than in previous years. These efficient bulbs use an average of 70% less electricity and can last up to 5 times as long.
- Turn up/down the air-conditioning to 78 instead of the national average of 73. When the temperature outside is 80, it’s really not that hot-it’s the humidity that makes it so uncomfortable. An air conditioner “conditions the air” to make is more comfortable. If it’s 95 degrees outside, 78 will be a very welcoming temperature. This easy trick uses 25% less electricity.
- Turn down the hot water heater 10 degrees. This simple task uses about 10% less electricity, all with just a slight turn of the wrist. Odds are that you won’t notice the temperature change, either.
- Fine tune your water usage Even if your hot water heater is gas or solar powered, your home still requires electricity to move your water from one point to another. (That’s why losing power creates a lack of water). By using less water, you are moving less water around your home, and therefore using less electricity. Run the dishwasher only when it’s full and wash all clothes in cold water- (hot water shortens a garment’s lifespan, anyways. Use pre-treaters for tough stains).
- Replace old appliances with new-energy efficient ones. For a limited time, the feds are giving tax breaks for those who purchase energy efficient appliances, so there’s one great reason. Another is that you will have shiny and new appliances that cost you a lot less money to run after you take the initial “purchase price” hit. Watch for sales and rebates to make a wise purchase even more beneficial.
So what will all of this add up to at the end of the month? Depending on your normal electricity usage and the size of your home, you’re looking at an average savings of $20 to $25 per month. If that doesn’t sound like much to you, add up your cost reductions for an entire year; $240 to $300. That would buy a few extra holiday gifts, make an extra credit card payment, or add an extra few days to your family vacation next year. Whatever you choose to do with it, enjoy it, for you worked hard to save it.
