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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.
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