by Dr. G. A. Anderson

Created on: July 05, 2010   Last Updated: July 06, 2010

Looking around your home in the summer months, it's easy to see why your energy bills have gone through the roof. For many people, the electric bill is one of the major expenses in the monthly budget. Fortunately, your power company probably has a budget plan available so you'll know what to expect each month, but there are a great many ways you can do your part to lower summer power usage. The following are but a few of the many strategies you can put to use now.

1. There are dozens of electrical cords plugged into outlets in every room. The appliances are turned off, but each cord left plugged in is still drawing power. This can easily be remedied - simply unplug everything when it's not in use.

2. In some parts of the U.S., people have taken to using electric window candles in every window throughout the year instead of just during Christmas. This may be beautiful and charming, but it wastes electricity and money. Except for holidays, unplug your window candles.

3. Use lined window treatments, or light-blocking draperies or shades. If you're using air conditioning, blocking the sun's rays will help reduce the amount of power needed for cooling. Be sure windows are closed behind the draperies!

4. Use a thermostat so that your air conditioning unit comes on only when a pre-set temperature is reached.

5. Window air conditioners: Use these on the lowest setting that is still comfortable for you, and do not leave them running in empty rooms all day. Always turn off air conditioning when you leave the house unless you have animals that need to be kept cool. But if you can safely turn off the air conditioning, leave windows open a bit with screens installed to allow air into the house.

6. Filters: Be sure to remove and wash, or remove and replace the filters in your air conditioning units. Do this as often as necessary depending on where you live and how much dust accumulates on them. This not only saves money on the electric bill, but it's healthier for you.

6. Ceiling fans are great for circulating air and making your room feel cooler. But don't leave them running if no one is in the room - they do nothing to make you feel cooler when you're not there. Turn on the ceiling fan again when you re-enter the room.

7. Wash dishes in the sink instead of using the dishwasher. Hopefully, you'll have turned down the thermostat on your hot water heater to save costs, so the dishwasher isn't going to sterilize the dishes anyway. In fact, lukewarm water will make dishwasher

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