Save on GAS & ELECTRIC BILLS!

[citypowerhouse]

See if your area has alternative energy service providers. This information is often found on the website of your local main gas or electric company. You may be surprised to discover that there are now many other utility companies available in your area that are currently saving people up to 25%on their utilities. I signed up for a service that guaranteed savings and also allowed me to earn travel rewards. (I also received a 2 night hotel stay gift certificate just for joining.)

Some other tips:

TVS & other major electronics "suck" a lot of electricity even when they are not in use. Plug them into a surge protector and switch to "on" only when you want to actively use the items.

I switched all of my home's light bulbs to flourescent bulbs and this "slashed" my electric bill to about half of what I used to pay. For example, I can now have four 15 watt bulbs turned on that generate the same light as a former one 60 watt bulb. Huge difference!

[ScrimpAndSave]

Very useful information...thanks so much!

[DannyGBWI]

I too saw a substantial savings when I switched to compact fluorescent bulbs!

Install CFL (or, even better, LED) bulbs wherever it makes sense. These bulbs might cost more initially, but they both have a longer life than normal incandescent bulbs and they both eat far less electricity. CFLs tend to use about 25% of the electricity of an incandescent - LEDs use about 2%. CFLs are cheaper than LEDs right now and produce better light, but not quite as good as incandescent bulbs. My policy? Put LEDs in closets and out of the way places, use CFLs for hall and some room lighting, and use incandescent bulbs (until the other bulbs get better) where you read and do other eye-intensive activities. This will trim a significant amount from your electric bill.

[WiseOwl]

Flourescent bulbs are great, BUT remember, they should NOT be thrown out in the garbage as they contain mercury and other chemicals. LED bulbs are expensive but last forever and do not have that problem. The light they emit is more harsh though(kind of like the flourescent bulbs).

By the way, my friend in Texas saves about 30% on her electric bill with the energy plan she has (due to deregulation). It isn't available where I live yet, but it shoud be soon.

[autowoman]

My hot water heater has been out and I haven't missed it. Cold showers wake me up and save money on heating water

[reptile411]

They make LED bulbs for a house? I must get them lol. I was at odd about what to do with my property. I wanted everything lit all night every nite and ended up with LED solar flood lights. They last all night long and have a cool white lite rather than the ugly yellow glow. I would for sure upgrade my entire house to LED had I known they had them.

Originally Posted by DannyGBWI

I too saw a substantial savings when I switched to compact fluorescent bulbs!

Install CFL (or, even better, LED) bulbs wherever it makes sense. These bulbs might cost more initially, but they both have a longer life than normal incandescent bulbs and they both eat far less electricity. CFLs tend to use about 25% of the electricity of an incandescent - LEDs use about 2%. CFLs are cheaper than LEDs right now and produce better light, but not quite as good as incandescent bulbs. My policy? Put LEDs in closets and out of the way places, use CFLs for hall and some room lighting, and use incandescent bulbs (until the other bulbs get better) where you read and do other eye-intensive activities. This will trim a significant amount from your electric bill.