by Brooke M.

Created on: October 28, 2009

Electric bills can increase in the winter and summer months. They can also be increasingly high bills to pay. So here are some tips to help lower your electric bills and keep them low:

Turn off things you are not using

Turn off everything you are not using. Turn every light off that is not in used, stop leaving the televisions on, and shut your computer down when not in use. Every time you leave a room turn the light off. This will help tremendously, but remember to keep at it. When you leave your house make sure that everything is off.

Unplug unnecessary items

Unplug items that you don't use or barely use. Items such as treadmills, toasters, coffeemakers, and such. If you are not using them on a regular basis then unplug them. I don't use my toaster that often so I unplug it every time I am done using it. It only takes a second to unplug something and helps out with the electric bill. Once I started doing this I noticed a decrease in my electric bills.

Wash full loads of clothes

When washing clothes, make sure to put a full load in. This will eliminate turning the washer and dryer on as much and save you time. I always make sure that I have a full load, or almost a full load of clothes to put in the washer. I also use cold water unless the clothes are really dirty. Another thing that might help is to make sure you fold the clothes once they are dry. This way you don't have to turn the dryer on to get the wrinkles out of the clothes when you finally decide to fold the clothes.

Use the oven in the winter and toaster ovens in the summer

Ovens heat up the kitchen so try to use them in the winter. Try to limit the use of your ovens in the summer. You could start cooking warm meals in the winter to heat your kitchen up and to warm your body up.

Use blinds effectively

On hot days close your blinds to keep the hot sun out. On cold days open your blinds to let the heat in. Not only will opening the blinds up on cold days help to warm your house but also help with some light. On nice days you should also open a window if possible, this will help get some nice clean air in your house.

Everyday make sure to follow these tips and your electric bill should decrease.

Good Luck!

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