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Electricity Savings 101
Another option is to evaluate the need for bedroom air conditioners to run during the day. Many of us don't use our bedrooms during the peak heat hours, and we could save some by turning the air conditioners off during the day and closing the bedroom door. Simply turn the air on an hour before bedtime; the time of day provides cooler air, allowing for more efficient cooling. Remember, if an air conditioner is running, it's using electric.
To see Kelly's article, "Electric Savings 102, click here
About The Author: Kelly Ann Butterbaugh is a freelance writer who regularly contributes to a variety of magazines and has written a history book for middle readers. Visit her website for writing help, lesson plans, history fun, or work for hire at http://www.kellybutterbaugh.com
By
07/29/2008
I try to do most of my cooking on a charcoal grill during pleasant weather. This helps by keeping the heat outside and minimizing cleanup after dinner. Weather permitting, I cook dinners outside several times each week. I oftentimes grill enough for lunch the next day. And, about once each week, I take all the grilled leftovers from the refrigerator and warm them up. There's always a variety, and nobody leaves the table hungry.
By debbie (Guest Post)
07/27/2008
I use my outdoor outlet alot in the summer. I set a small table near it and cook my stuff in my crock pot then none of the heat is in my house. But then the neighbors all want to come to dinner too.
By
07/26/2008
Install a programmable thermostat and set the temperature higher for when you are away from home during the day, then lower for the evening after you return and for sleeping.
Insulate, insulate, insulate! Blown in insulation is a low-cost way to save big bucks.
Use your dishwasher, washer and dryer late at night or early in the morning. This helps lower peak usage and also helps to keep your house cooler.
Install blackout roller shades (available at hardware stores and big box retailers for around $10 each) on the west windows of your home and lower them during the day. Keeping your home darker means that your A/C won't have to work as hard.
By
07/26/2008
One thing we've started is we have most things plugged into surge protectors and when we aren't using the devices, we turn off the surge. EX: tv, vcr, dvd, x-box, and stereo-at night I flip the surge and everything shuts down and doesn't draw standby power. We do this with the computer and my son's tv and video systems. We do not do this with our alarm clocks or phone chargers, but we do unplug the chargers when not in use. I've also started drying my clothes on a line outside and keep my dryer unplugged (it's easy to get to) unless I need it (about once a month).
By suzin (Guest Post)
07/25/2008
One of the things I do to keep the heat out of the house and save on the AC is cook in my attached garage. It is just a few steps from the kitchen. I use my crockpots, rice cooker (it steams veges), toaster oven, electric skillet, and microwave/convection oven in the garage. I can do almost all our cooking in there. I got a new GE micro/convection oven and it bakes great.
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