Keep your bill down in the summer

July 3, 2009 – 12:00 pm – No Comment

In my home, the electric bill jumps up to over double what it is in the winter because of all the extra electricity being used by the AC and other things. While I don’t think you can eliminate your electricity bill (as long as you stay on the grid), you can do a few things to help slow down the drain that your bill has on your wallet.

You really have to start looking at all the major energy sucking appliances. The worst ones include the dryer (for your clothes), you can replace it by air drying your clothes outside on a line, not only will it save you money but your clothes may end up lasting longer. Also, washing your clothes in cold water versus hot water will save on your water heater bill, the exception being really funky clothes caked in mud or some other kind of foreign substance.

Electric stoves are also a major energy drain, it makes it hotter in the house so your air conditioner has to work harder, you can help cut down on this part of your bill by cooking outside on the grill. Ovens also have the same effect on your air conditioner and your wallet, I have started using a toaster oven for things that will fit just to help cut down on how often and for how long I have to turn on the “big” oven.

You also really need to avoid what people are calling energy vampires. These are the electronics that area always using energy even when you’re not using them like Playstations. You can decrease the amount they use by putting them on a power strip and making sure the strip is turned off. You can cut the power supply to your [husband's/kid's] Playstation and TV at the same time and they won’t be able to drain anymore power.

Also, when it comes to kids, you should find ways to entice them to turn off the lights, tv, etc when they leave a room. Once your children can start walking it seems that they can find ways to use electricity and forget how to “turn things off.” It is the same with open doors in the house, you just have to keep a watchful eye out for it. Having a “crack” in a door can let out a lot of the work that the a/c has been doing all day trying to keep your house cool.