by W. Diane Van Zwol

Created on: July 31, 2008   Last Updated: September 06, 2008

How Baby Can Boomers Save Money On Electricity

Baby boomers facing early retirement or semi-retirement, constitute a large part of the national work force at the moment. That is about to change and there are going to be many baby boomers with reductions in income, or even loss of income.

Electricity is a commodity that one still has to purchase. The cost of electricity is on the rise.

How can a baby boomer save money on electricity? Consider some of the following tips.

1. Downsize your home.

As a baby boomer, who has raised a large family, you may find that you no longer need even a quarter of the electricity that you have consumed in the past, because now there are just two of you, or you may be alone. Consider downsizing your home, to meet your current needs, rather than continuing to pay out a huge amount of money on electricity bills, for a really large house. A one or two bedroom home might be much more appropriate, than a five bedroom home, at this time in your life.

2. Update your appliances.

Many of your appliances may be ones that still work well, but they are probably getting obsolete and consume a lot of electricity. Do some serious research and find appliances that do not require that same volume of energy consumption every month. Your hydro-electric bill will probably drop considerably, if you make some changes.

3. Check your lighting.

Many times, out of habit, as soon as it is dark, every light in the house is turned on by someone. Many of those lights are not necessary. In fact, keeping your lights low in the evening, can be to your advantage. It is very peaceful and costs a lot less. When you leave a room, turn out the lights.

4. Use low energy light bulbs.

Low energy light bulbs appear to be expensive when purchased initially, but if you replace the bulbs, as the old ones burn out, it will not be long before you have replaced all of them. They may take a little longer to come on and the lighting may be a bit different, but you will soon become accustomed to the lighting and enjoy it too. You may not need two or three light bulbs in your lighting fixtures. Replace fixtures that require more than one light bulb.

5. Put up a clothesline.

Using a dryer tends to consume a lot of extra energy, but you really do not need to use it for everything that you wash. Linens, towels and clothing have a wonderful, fresh scent when brought in from outdoors. Even when it is cold outside, it is still refreshing to spend a moment or two outside. Clotheslines are relatively

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