What's the best way to save on an energy bill?

Question

Hello!

I live in a 2/2 apartment with my boyfriend in Florida. Our electric bill is about $200/month, whereas I've had neighbors in the same size place say they only use about $100/month.

I run my dishwasher probably five times a week, always turn my lights off when not in use, and use my washer and dryer for about 2 loads a week.

My downfall of course is the a/c, which is usually set at 70 degrees in these brutal summer months.

Any ideas that aren't extremely obvious in how I can reduce my energy bill?????

Answer 1

Hang your laundry out to dry. Over loading the dryer takes longer to dry and wastes energy. Be sure to set the A/C to around 75 whenever you leave (the problem with raising it too hot at anytime is it is hard on the A/C unit, it will take it longer to cool back to a comfortable temp. and the compressor works longer and harder and will ware out).

Answer 2

Run the dishwasher only when full, and only at night.  That way it's not heating/steaming you up during the day.  

You definitely need fans.  Do you have ceiling fans?  

If so, there should be a switch on them where you can reverse the blades.  One direction will blow cool air downward - making you feel several degrees cooler.....the other direction pushes warm air downward to keep you warmer in the winter.  (or when it's somewhat cooler).  

Try to keep a fan on whenever possible, and sneak your thermostat up a few degrees until you adjust to it.  

Check out this web page on Top 10 Tips to save energy:

http://www.building-your-green-home.com/...

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Turn the AC up and get some fans that move air efficiently.  The AC at 70 is eating up huge amounts of electricity--your AC should never be more than 10 degrees below the outside temp.  However, moving air always feels cooler than stagnant air, so install ceiling fans, or use box or oscillating fans.  The fans will help your AC be more efficient anyway.

Answer 4

If you have any computer, or high comsuing power electronics always turn them off when ur not using them! And when ur not in a room then turn the light off. It will at least save y bout 30 bucks.

Answer 5

Like you said, turn off the lights, anything that you won't need to use, unplug. The hair dryer, the cell phone charger, the ipod dock, the computer charger, just things like that if they are not needed, don't use them.

If you can, switch your light bulbs out to eco friendly ones, the compact flourscent ones, like these: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2... THey will help save on your energy bill.

Turn the AC off, and get a fan. Open the windows and get a breeze. Only use the AC if it's over like 94 is my rule of thumb.

With your dishwasher, make sure you are filling it up as much as possible. Make sure there is no space whatso ever when you fill it up, or close to no space.

Washer and dryer, put as many clothes in a load as possible.

So those are some of my tips.  Good luck. :]

Answer 6

i'd say that 70 degrees could be changed a few degrees.. thats pretty low. but for basic every day things this site helps

   http://saveenergy.about.com/od/energyeff...

good luck