How Do You Save Electricity?

Jenna · 07-24-2009, 01:54 PM

We have found if we keep our front window blinds closed during the day, we can leave the air conditioner off for the most part. Of course if we are gone for the day, I have to turn it on for the pets because I'm afraid it will get too hot and I won't be there to fix things. What are some of the ways you save electric?

Brandi · 07-24-2009, 03:06 PM

I wish we could do that Jenna. We live where it is hot all of the time. If we turned off the A/C we would roast in 15 minutes time. Our house is well insulated but the weather is just hot. We do try to turn it off sometimes during the night but right now we are not doing so well with that. I've got a cold and am running a fever so I'm hot then cold, then hot, then cold. We just keep it on and I cover up if I chill.

JennyP · 07-27-2009, 03:59 PM

We went ahead and programmed our thermostat. Why we never did before I don't know. But now it's programmed to let the house get warmer when we are at work. It's set to kick on and cool the house down about an hour before we get home. Also, we have increased our acceptable temp by a couple of degrees this year, and no one has really complained. It's made a difference in the amount of electricity we use.

We also switched to energy saving light bulbs, and are much more aware of turning the lights off when we are leaving a room.

Bree · 08-02-2009, 02:04 AM

We have started to unplug things when not in use. When we leave in the morning, the alarm clocks, TV, and computers are unplugged. When the washer and dryer are not being used, they're unplugged. When items are plugged in, even if not being used, they are still using electricity if only a minimal amount. That minimal amount adds up over the long haul. For us, every little bit counts towards a savings.

crayfish · 10-11-2009, 12:17 PM

I just do the general and easy things like turning off the light when I leave a room. I agree with Bree, unplugging electric gadgets when you are not using them can make a difference. You can reduce your electricity bills by as much as 10% by simply unplugging appliances not in use.

sleepyprincess · 10-11-2009, 10:56 PM

We unplug everything and only plug it in when we're actually using it. Also, we don't use the heat or the AC unless it's absolutely necessary. By this I mean, we only turn the heat when our house gets down to 68, and our AC only goes on in the specific moments when we are too hot. We turn it "down" to 77.

homeboy · 10-15-2009, 11:20 AM

For me, it's making sure that all of the boys in the house turn off the lights as they leave whatever room they are in. My wife also lowers the temperature at night when everyone is asleep.

Izzie · 10-15-2009, 02:04 PM

We turn off lights when we leave a room and unplug what's not in use. For winter time we keep the blinds closed and pull the curtains to help keep the heat in.