How to Save on Your Electric Bill
The following Best Savings Tip comes from reader, Dusti:
What I do to save on my electric bill is to, most importantly, unplug all electronics that are not in use. They use up so much energy while just sitting idle! Plug in your TV, cable/DVR box, cell phone, iPod chargers, game consoles, etc to a power strip and switch off when leaving the house or going to bed.
Also, anything with a blinking light or clock display could be unplugged to save money too. I bought an alarm clock with Smart Set Automatic Setting, so I can unplug it when I wake up, and when I use it again I dont have to set it all over again.
I estimate that I save about $50-75 a month by being an unplugger, since we are a very techie family.
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This is an awesome suggestion. I saw an Oprah show a long time ago that talked about small changes like this truly adding up over time.
We do unplug when we're going away for extended periods of time, but not everyday. I may buy some inexpensive power strips and test this one out! Clearly if Dusti estimates a $50-$75 savings a month, this is worth considering!
Do you unplug each day?
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I make sure to keep my curtains closed to keep out the heat. I also installed a sun shade over my west-facing deck to shade the big window I have in my dining area. It has made a big difference on the amount of heat coming in.
Sharon, we keep all of our curtains closed as well. I feel like such a hobbit sometimes in the summer. But, we have NO shade whatsoever and the sun just beats down on us!
no but I might now have try it.
We are very frugal with our electric habits, and For us, hanging shirts and pants (but still using dryer for socks/underwear/small items) and unplugging unused electronics, we save about $50-60/month
We do this too! We have our tv, dvd player, wii, etc. all plugged into a power strip that we turn off every time we’re not using it. It is super simple to do and only takes a second to turn on/off. Plus, sometimes it helps prevent from just switching the tv on when we’re bored since it takes that small extra step to get it on! That extra second is usually enough to remind me to do something better with my time. Also, we plug our computer and all our “desk” stuff into a power strip that we turn off each night. The savings definitely add up!
I turn the thermostat up everyday before I leave for work, really cuts down on the bill. Use dishwasher once a week but it is only me. I have a 4 bedroom house though and this simple thing with the thermostat is really helping.
We unplug each day too! I agree it makes a difference in lowering the electric bill.
Hey Kristie! It’s good to see you back around :)
I’ll have to try the unplugging – it is an interesting idea! We keep our thermostat high in summer and low in winter to save money. I highly suggest planting trees! We added 7 trees to our yard and the shade makes a huge difference in how hot our home gets in the summer.