Eco-Saving Money Tips: Save On Your Electric Bill

You're trying to live a greener lifestyle. But with summer just around the corner, you're probably steeling yourself against the spiking electric bill that seems inevitable as the heat increases. Air conditioners begin cranking up by the millions in an effort to keep things cool. When you toss in electrical appliances like televisions, stereos, computers, and all the other electronic goodies that get used everyday, then it's not long before your monthly Bill grows to the size of a William.

Here are some money saving tips to help you save on your electric bill. You'll not only live more green, but you'll save some as well:

1. Check that your cooling system (and, come winter, your heating system too) are working at maximum efficiency. Get them inspected annually by a reputable maintenance company. Be sure to change the filters on both your air conditioner and furnace every month. You will not only save on your electric bill by doing this, but you will be creating healthier air in your home, which is a big boon to those who suffer from allergies and asthma.

2. Closing the blinds and drapes on the side of your home that gets the most sun will go a long way toward cooling the interior when the outside temperatures are soaring. You may also consider covering your glass panes with window film, as this will reduce the radiant heat and still give you a unobstructed view to the exterior. If you haven't already, use a light colored paint on your house and install awnings to further cut down on the heat inside.

3. If you plan to be absent from your home for a short period, it's best to simply turn off your air conditioner. If you live in a hot, desert-type environment, you can at least turn the thermostat a little higher than would be normal for optimum comfort and adjust it back down upon your return. If you live in a cold climate, reverse this by lowering your thermostat during the winter months. You'll save on your electric bill all year 'round.

4. Place any window air conditioners you may use in windows near the center of your house and located on the shadiest side. You want your air conditioner to draw upon the coolest air it can find.

5. Plant shrubs and trees around your house to provide shade, making sure that any shrubs growing near your air conditioning units are properly trimmed to allow for adequate air flow.

6. As you may have heard, incandescent light bulbs use approximately 10 times the power of fluorescent. Switching the kind of bulbs you use will show a significant savings in the long run.

7. When planning your meals, choose to cook them in the microwave, if possible. Electric stoves not only use 90 percent more energy than a microwave, but add noticeably to the amount of heat already in your house, which then requires that much more electricity to drive out.

8. When shopping for computers, scanners, printers and other such equipment, keep an eye out for those that feature automatic "sleep modes" or turn off when not in use. What you save on your electric bill at the end of the year will help you afford better quality equipment up front.

9. Even when you've turned off a piece of electrical equipment, it may still be sucking up electricity. Unplug them when going away for vacations or any extended periods of time. Plug things like electric razors, hair dryers, curling irons and so on into power strips so that they can be easily switched off when they're not needed.

10. During blackouts or brownouts, unplug or turn off as many appliances as possible. Lightening the power load lowers the risk of blowing out a transformer when everybody's power comes back on at once.

11. Major appliances older than 10 years should be replaced, as they cost more to run than newer ones. More modern appliances are required to conform to "Energy Star" standards of efficiency and are ten to twenty percent less expensive to run, helping you save on your electric bill even with appliances that have to run 24/7.

Any one of these ideas will help you keep your electric bills at a minimum. Put them all into effect, and the savings will be even greater. You'll have the satisfaction of contributing to a greener environment while adding to the green in your wallet, too!