by Raven Lebeau

Created on: March 28, 2009   Last Updated: January 30, 2010

We all want to save money without sacrificing the quality of our lifestyle. How can you put more money in the bank without giving up anything you'll miss? One of the best ways you can painlessly cut your spending is by shaving a few dollars a month off of your electric bill. Here are a few strategies to help you light up your life without big bills darkening your doorstep.

1. Identify the "energy vampires".

Some appliances, such as DVD players, bread makers, and printers use electricity even when they are switched off. The only way to stop such appliances from using electricity is to unplug them from the wall! The Consumer Energy Center has compiled an excellent chart to help you identify the energy vampires in your home. Notice that most appliances have a "minimum energy use" that is not zero; this means that even when the appliance is not doing anything for you, it is adding to your bill. By unplugging the appliances you are not using, you can easily save a few pennies a day.

2. Cut back on air-conditioning.

The same strategies that save you on the electric bill during the summer will save you on the gas bill during the winter. First, make sure all your doors and windows are in good repair and apply weather stripping to stop any drafts. Next, try to find window coverings that will block most of the sunlight. You may want to open the blinds for light while you are in the room, but there is no sense in letting the sun turn your home into a solar over while you are at work.

3. Use fluorescent spiral bulbs.

Fluorescent bulbs are a good choice because they will last far longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs. Because they rarely need to be replaced, you will buy fewer of them, and because they use electricity, they will lower your electric bill. Another added benefit is that fluorescent bulbs produce little heat, which means that even if you have the lights on in the summer, your air conditioner will not be working harder to cool the home.

4. Minimize your use of the dishwasher, clothes washer, and dryer.

Wait to run your dishwasher or do a load of laundry until you have enough soiled items to fill up the machine. Half a load of dishes or laundry takes just as much electricity as a full load, so washing more items at a time is always better for your budget. When you dry your clothes, it's ideal to hang them on a clothes line, but if that isn't a possibility, you can at least take them out of the washer while they are still damp and hang them in your closet. The clothes will finish drying on their own.

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