6 Tips to Save Electricity

Turn Appliances Off

• According to Electricity Guide, appliances that are left on "stand by" modes use 85 percent of the power they would normally use if turned on. Completely powering down your computer, video gaming system and other appliances can save electricity and help you lower your electricity bill. If certain appliances lack an off switch, consider unplugging these devices when they are not in use. Additionally, avoid using appliances during peak electricity hours, which run daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Use Energy-Efficient Bulbs

• About 10 to 15 percent of your home electricity bill is devoted to lighting. Energy-efficient light bulbs like compact fluorescent bulbs and light emitting diode bulbs devote more power to light than conventional bulbs, which actually expend more of their energy as heat. Using these energy-efficient bulbs in your home can help save electricity, lower your energy costs and cut the costs of replacing bulbs since energy-efficient bulbs last up to 10 times longer than conventional bulbs.
• AVOID THE DRYER

• The dryer uses the most electricity in your home, second only to your refrigerator. Eliminating it from the clothes washing process whenever possible can help save electricity and lower your energy costs by as much as five percent, according to the Consumer Energy Center. If it is absolutely necessary for you to use the dryer, keeping the drying time to a minimum can help mitigate the cost of energy use.

Clean or Change Air Filters

• Air filters can become clogged or damaged, forcing appliances like air conditioners to work harder to achieve comfortable indoor temperatures. Cleaning or replacing these filters can help lower your energy costs. This is particularly important in the summer months, when electricity bills tend to be higher.

Install Ceiling Fans

• According to Consumer Savvy Tips, installing ceiling fans in your home can reduce energy costs by allowing you to keep your thermostat at a higher setting. Fans that are set to blow air downward can work to cool the air more efficiently than a single air conditioner, while fans that blow air upward may recirculate hot air through the room and increase the temperature.

Open Up The Windows

• The air outside your home may actually be cooler than the air inside. Opening up your windows can significantly cool down your home during those early summer months and help your cut down your electricity bill. If you have ceiling fans installed they can help pull the air inside the home, keeping your hands off the thermostat.