Conserving electricity does not mean depriving yourself of comforts and conveniences. Conservation simply means to guard against waste, to be aware of the inefficient ways electricity can be used, and to do something about it. Some conservation measures involve money but some just take a little effort - and a little common sense. Here are some ways to reduce your electrical usage and lessen your electric bill without spending a lot of money.
Over half of your electric bill goes toward heating and cooling
your house. Where the thermostat is set decides how comfortable
you are and how much electricity you use. The best way to determine
where to set the thermostat, is as low as possible (comfortable)
in the winter and as high as possible in the summer. Experts say
settings should be around 68 degrees in winter and 78 degrees
in summer. You can change this comfort level just by theway you
dress. Wear several light layers of clothing rather than two bulky
garments in the winter. Wear light thin clothing in the
summer. Use an extra blanket at night in the winter. Keep all
doors and windows closed. Open all draperies on the sunny side
of the house in the winter and close them in the summer. Close
garage doors. Change air conditioning filters regularly. The easiest
way to remember to do this, is to do it when you get your electric
bill each month.
Heating the water you use accounts for about twenty percent of your electric bill. Hot water is a necessity but wasting it is not: necessary. Wash and rinse clothes with cold water if possible. Take a quick shower rather than frilling a tub with hot water when possible. Don't let the hot water run while washing dishes. Turn the water heater off if you will be gone for a few days. Repair leaky faucets. A timer may be a good idea to have installed on your water heater. Wrapping your water heater will also help keep water hot for a longer time.
Televisions, VCRs, radios and computers do not use a lot of electricity, but when left on for no reason for an extended time will add to your electric bill. Turn these items off when they are not being used. Always turn lights off when they are not needed. If possible, use compact fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last longer.
When opening a refrigerator door, take out or put up as many items as possible to eliminate re-opening. Temperature settings should be set at 40 degrees for the fresh food compartment and 5 degrees for the freezer section. Regularly de-frost manual de-frost refrigerators and freezers. Make sure your refrigerator and freezer door seals are airtight.
Wash and rinse clothes in cold water when possible. Fill clothes washer and dryers but do not overload them. Clean the dryer's lint filter every load. Use the low heat setting for clothes drying or, when possible, line dry.
When using an electric range, turn off the burner before the allotted cooking time. The element will stay hot iong enough to finish the cooking without wasting energy. When using an oven, cook as many foods as you can at one time. Do not keep opening oven door to check food. Not only does this allow heat to escape taking longer to cook the food, it also makes your air conditioner run more.
As you can see, most of these tips are common sense and can be done with little money being spent. Now you have to decide what you are going to do with all the money you're going to save on your electric bill. If you have any questions about this or any other electrical topic please call JDEC call at 1-800-256-5332.