Comments on: what little things could everybody do to keep there electricity bills down?

By: Terence S

Terence S — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:39:59 +0000

Stop using the immersion heater for your hot water.
Do not use a dishwasher. Wash dishes in cold water with washing up liquid or leave them to soak in cold water, with washing up liquid, overnight.
When making hot drinks measure the amount of water needed.
Shower instead of taking baths.
For hot water to shave or wash heat the amount required in a kettle.
Just heat the room that is being occupied at the time.
Switch the freezer off and buy food when it is needed.
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By: eskie lover

eskie lover — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:33:59 +0000

We had an energy audit and found their suggestions very helpful in reducing our electric bill.
Run the dishwasher and washing machine on the shortest cycles and only when full

Use the air dry function on the dishwasher and either line dry or use the lowest heat setting on the dryer

Set the water heater temperature at 120 degrees and if your hot water heater is in a basement or garage (and it doesn’t have a sticker indicating that you can’t), insulate it to retain its heat

Use dusk to dawn LCD night lights in hallways and bathrooms to avoid turning on wasteful over head lighting

Make certain vents, windows, doors and other openings into your home are weather stripped or sealed with caulk

Use window treatments to block the sun or let it in depending on the weather and where it is shining into your home for heat or to keep it cool

Don’t leave overhead garage doors open on excessively hot or cold days because they let out heat and stay cooler longer

Change out incandescent lighting for CFLs

Put vampire electronics on strips to control the power they use

Use appliances wisely. Don’t heat up the entire oven when you can use the toaster oven, for example

Use residual heat from the oven and bath tub to heat the room

Use solar lighting in the landscape and on porches

Use timers for security lights

Use space heaters rather than central heater if you and your family stay in one area of the house most of the time
References :
SDGE energy audit and using energy wisely pamphlet

By: crossstitchkelly

crossstitchkelly — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:52:59 +0000

Use compact fluorescent bulbs. They may be more expensive to start with, but they save a lot of energy, and they last much longer. Also, make sure you have plenty of insulation--check your attic, and if you can see the rafters, you need to add a second layer of insulation running the opposite direction (R-20 or higher is best. Also, look for cracks where wires come into the house, or other gaps, and spray insulation into them. Check for gaps under your doors and add a gasket under them if necessary (including the garage door). You can insulate your garage door using either styrofoam insulation that you cut yourself, or one of the kits. When you need to replace any appliances, look for the Energy Star symbol. Finally, if you can afford it, replace your windows with double or triple pane windows for better insulation.
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By: Griz

Griz — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:40:59 +0000

Buy energy efficient appliances at replacement time, turn down your hot water heater, use a miser shower head. Wear a sweater, install storm doors and window storms, use caulking compound on openings around doors and windows. Use adequate insulation in overhead areas. Wash laundry in cold water.
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By: ASHLEY

ASHLEY — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 07:58:59 +0000

I use LED light bulbs, they use 2 watts of power each compared to 18w for the energy saving bulbs that are advertised.
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By: Danielle E

Danielle E — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 07:10:59 +0000

make sure your phones are plugged out from the charger when it done.. It also saves money because the battery gets faulty if you charge it too often!
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By: Gemini

Gemini — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 06:22:59 +0000

Change all light/lamp bulbs to low energy bulbs. buy plenty of throws, turn heating down a little. Don't leave tvs etc on standby.
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