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Saving electricity

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker HPW

Small habits can add up to big savings when it comes to electricity.

As the summer heat soars, so do many homeowners' electric bills. Here are some savvy tips on how you can start saving both your cash and the environment.

1. Get Unplugged. You may think that simply turning a device or appliance off is enough to stop the flow of electricity, and the subsequent flow of money out of your bank account, but any item plugged in to an electrical outlet is drawing a small amount of electricity. So, unplug all of your items.

2. Swap it Out. Replace conventional incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL) and save yourself in the long run. Energy Star reports that a CFL will save "about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. It uses 75 percent less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb."

3. Energy Star Appliances. They are a more pricey change, but the long term savings can be well worth the upfront cost. These appliances are certified to use 10 to 50 percent less energy than your standard appliances. They also help reduce emissions and air pollutants.

4. Daytime Low. Most U.S. Households use some form of air conditioning during the summer months. If you have an empty house during the day, consider setting your thermostat to a higher temperature during the day, and then turning it cooler when you get home. If you have a more advanced system, consider setting a timer to kick on the cool 30 minutes before you return home.

5. Lights Out. This may intuitive, but turn off the lights in rooms you are not using. The same goes for televisions and computers.

Use these simple tips to reduce the cost of running your home this summer, and put that extra cash away into savings! Carla Hill

Comments (4)

Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Joyce....thanks for providing a good list for reducing the cost of running electricity....

Jul 11, 2010 09:01 PM
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

Thanks for the reminders, I need to UNPLUG.

Jul 11, 2010 09:56 PM
Carolyn Kolba
Serving Mentor, and all of Lake County, Ohio - Mentor, OH
Keller Williams Realty- Mentor, Ohio

Joyce, so basically, if we all just did what our Mothers told us to do... turn out the lights, close the door, turn off stuff when you leave, we'd all be better of.  Isn't it amazing that the older we all get, the smarter our Mother gets ?  <smile>

Jul 11, 2010 10:09 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Great points Joyce, I did start unplugging my home office --- I am SURE I am saving some $$ now!

Jul 11, 2010 11:37 PM