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by fordman on May 22nd, 2008

fordman

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How can I lower my electric bill? I have new heat pump, new appliances , new windows , new roof, fluorescent lights, and my electric bill is still over $200 a month. House was built in 86 is approx 2400 sq. ft. , no one is home duriing the day.

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Answers. 11 helpful answers below.

  • by BeenThereWillShare on September 23rd, 2008

    BeenThereWillShare

    Other ideas:
    1.Turn down the water heater to 120 degress.Make sure it's covered with an insulated blanket.
    2.Turn the heat down to 60 when your'e not home and 68 when you are. Wear extra clothing.
    3.A fireplace is not a good idea unless you have an energy efficent wood-burning insert. With a regular fireplace most of the heat goes up the chimney.
    4.Use only cold or warm water to wash clothes. Hot water is not necessary if you use a good (cold-water)detergent.I hang most of my clothes to dry. It not only saves on the electricy but wear and tear on the clothes...heat fades and wears clothes out faster.
    4.A dishwasher actually saves hot water.Don't let it go thru the "dry" cycle, just turn it off and leave the door slightly open. The dishes will dry from the air and hot steam.
    5.When taking a shower, get everyone to turn off the water while soaping up. This will save a lot of hot water.It will be hard to get them to do it, but once they make it a habit it saves a lot of hot water, especially if you have a large family.
    6.Consider adding more insulation in the attic.
    7.Use power strips and unplug any appliance not in use.
    8.Buy some "outlet insulators"--foam insulation that you put behind your outlets.
    9.Check to see that no cold air comes in underneath your outer doors.
    10.heavy drapes make good insulation on windows. Blinds are worthless.
    11. Keep hoping the electric company doesn't raise the rates.

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  • by Marguerite on September 22nd, 2008

    Marguerite

    When you bought your appliancies, did you notice if they are the type that save energy? If they aren't, they may be one reason you are using more energy than necessary. Do you have an all electric home? Do you have a fireplace to help heat the house? This could save you electrical energy. Firewood in your area may be cheaper than an electrical bill. Notice the kind of windows you installed and see if there isn't a leak of your heating energy occuring somewhere. I would try to locate what is draining the most electricity our of my house.

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  • by Miss Anubis loves this season on May 22nd, 2008

    Miss Anubis loves this season

    Try to get onto the budget with your utility company, your bills will be the same each month. Also, try to get the time controlled thermostat, it does help, you can set it to be low during the hours that no one is home. Also, don't leave the lights on while noone is home. Every little bit helps.

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  • by FaerieWhings on June 2nd, 2008

    FaerieWhings

    Unplug all appliances when not is use. Turn your computer off ever night when you go to bed and when you are at work. Get a power strip for your TV and DVD...etc....and flip it off when not using it. Do this for your computer also. Even if something is plugged in and not on, it is still using electricity. Buy those special bulbs that last for years. They use up very little electricity. When you replace an appliance make sure it's an energy star.

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  • by Generation3electric on June 2nd, 2008

    Generation3electric

    You can add a unit to your electric service that corrects your power factor. The electric that is delivered to your home is not always getting to you at the most efficient levels. We have been testing a K-var unit for 3 months and it appears to be working. Here are some links to more information.
    www.Power-Save1200.com
    www.kvarenergysavings.com/
    Let me know how you make out. This is new technology. I won't trust it 100% until I have tested it for a year or two.

    Bill Lutz
    Generation 3 Electric, Inc.
    www.Generation3electric.com
    http://electrician-in-philadelphia.blogspot.com/

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  • by crabmed on May 22nd, 2008

    crabmed

    Unplug all the appliances that are not in use. If no one is at home during the day, lower the temp in your refrigerator. Do the clothes ironing weekly. Iron is one of the top list of appliances that consumes high electricity. Schedule also the washing of the clothes. Washing machine and computer consume electricity higher than other appliances. REMEMBER: unplug those appliances that are not in use.

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  • by Froggy on May 22nd, 2008

    Froggy

    Heat pump uses the most and if you use an electric dryer, that is a biggy also.

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  • by DudeLer on May 22nd, 2008

    DudeLer

    the refrigerator can be an electrical drain always trying to maintain a certain temperature. you could unplug it when you leave and then plug it back in when you get home. it should stay cold inside as long as the doors stay shut. the same for the water heater, it might kick on to maintain the inside the tank water temperature. two appliances that could be off during the day.

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  • by Yarnlady is happy every day on September 23rd, 2008

    Yarnlady is happy every day

    See if your electric provider has an evaluation service. Here, they send an employee who comes out to your home, and shows you exactly where to cut down on the use.

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  • by Anonymous on October 28th, 2008

    Anonymous

    Learn How To Build Your Own Renewable Energy Sources From Things At Your Local Hardware Store And Slash Your Electricity Bill By 80%. For $47.00 You will Get Step By Step Instructions On How To Build Your Own Solar panels Or Wind Mills Depending on Where You Live. You Can Unplug Your Home From The Electricity Companies Ounce And For All...
    To Learn How To Take Advantage Of This Offer Go To:
    http://bj102.homemadeen.hop.clickbank.net/

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  • by Ashcat on December 16th, 2009

    Ashcat

    Try some of these methods:
    http://www.ehow.com/how_5736725_lower-utility-bill.html

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