Frugal Electricity
With all the heat we've been having lately I've been hearing all over the news asking people to conserve electricity. I have to admit that I do use more electricity than I really want to. Back when we lived in Michigan (my frugal days) my average electric bill during the summer was around $10 each month. My electric bills are MUCH more than that here. I need to get back to being frugal with everything including electricity. Times like this I would love to learn more from our Amish neighbors.
We really don't realize how many things we have around the house that are continuously using electricity, even if it is just a little. Microwave, clock radios, VCRs etc. are always showing their little displays. We now have cordless phones that need to be plugged into the wall. We have all sorts of gadgets that have batteries than need charging like cell phones etc. It all adds up.
Here are some of my suggestions:
Turn off lights and unplug unneeded appliances and electronics. Use natural light as much as possible. Our old house had poor lighting so we spent a lot of time outside in the summer...which isn't a bad thing anyway!
Consider replacing electric appliances with non-electric versions like can openers, knives, popcorn poppers. I won't part with my crockpot though!
As you replace burned out bulbs in your lights, invest in flourescent bulbs. They take less wattage and you should see an immediate difference in your electric bills. These bulbs also last longer than regular bulbs.
Our dryer is electric so I try to use the clothes line when the weather is nice, even during the winter.
Keep all your appliances (fridge, washer, dryer, freezer etc.) and light fixtures clean and maintained. They will run more efficiently if they are maintained properly.
BBQ more often instead of cooking indoors.
Use your landscape to help you save money on your electric bills. Strategically planting trees and strubs around your house can help cool it in the summer and keep it warm in the winter.
Then there are little things...and the pennies really do add up. Wash your dishes by hand instead of running the dishwasher. After brewing a pot of coffee, store the coffee in a caraff and turn the coffee maker off. Turn your computer off when it isn't being used.
I'd love to hear some of the things you all do to save on your electricity bill.
Untitled Comment
Posted by Carol on Monday 7 August 2006 at 12:39 PM - Link
A few more for you. Use your crockpot instead of your stove or oven. I put my crockpot in the porch during the hot days, thus eliminating any heat it might throw.
Close your blinds and curtains early in the morning to keep the heat out. It helps keep your home cooler.
When replacing appliances, make sure they are energy efficient.
~carol
Untitled Comment
Posted by Farmwife410 on Monday 7 August 2006 at 6:05 PM - Link
Thanks for the tips, I am always looking for new ways to save.
Rie
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