Ideas from all over

by kristie
(portland or)

A couple of years ago we had to tighten the money belt. I am a stay at home mom and with only the husband's income we looked all over for good tips on how to same on our electric bill.

A few things that I have done that help a lot on my bill are:

1. I dry all my cloths by hanging them. I live in an apartment and found a nice floor to ceiling rod with 3 arms on it for hanging cloths. I save about 20 a month doing this.

2. Also I always use cold water only in my washing machine. Don't worry all the clothes come out nice and clean!

3. Switching my light bulbs to energy effective bulbs...most of them (there are few where I can't find one that will fit the fixtures in my apartment).

4. I open my dish washer in the drying cycle to air dry.

5. I hang heavy drapes or blankets on my windows in the winter to keep out the cold.

6. I just started plugging everything into surge protectors so I can turn the clump of stuff off with one switch.

This is supposed to make a difference because most electronics suck energy even when off!

Well that's what I do - I hope it helps someone else!