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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
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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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