With the worsening economy and unemployment on the rise, we are all looking for ways to cut down on our monthly expenses. Whether it’s spending less on groceries, making less trips to the mall, or decreasing unnecessary spending, every little bit helps. For some helpful tips on how to cut down on your electricity bill, I sought the advice from an expert. Jason Shadowen, who is the general manager of Electrical Detectives in nearby Herrin, IL, offers 4 ways to save on your electricity bill.
1. Turn Your Lights Off
You may already know that compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) use about 75% less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs and can last up to ten times longer. What you may not know: Turning off CFLs when exiting a room for less than 15 minutes costs more than leaving them on. So if you are likely to be back in that part of your house within 15 minutes, leave the lights on to save!
2. Use Task Lighting
Why pay to brightly light an entire room if you’re working in just a portion of it? Instead, try focusing light only where you need it: on your desk when paying bills in your home office, under the kitchen cabinets when chopping ingredients for dinner, or on a side table when reading in bed.
3. Install Ceiling Fans
Moving air tends to help you feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, allowing for lower wintertime and higher summertime thermostat settings. The effect is equivalent to about 4 Degrees Fahrenheit, and using less energy than air conditioners and furnaces in doing so. […]
