Tips For Saving On Electricity

First, swap out any incandescent lights with compact fluorescent, even your exterior lights. I discovered the latter when my outside light, an incandescent, kept burning out every few weeks. I never have needed to replace the fluorescent that went in its place. Nowadays, there are even spotlights that are fluorescent.

Second, my exterior yard lights are on motion sensors, the front yard lights are on daylight sensors and go on at dusk.

Third, I use smart sensors inside. For the TV and applicable equipment, generally one plug controls the others, i.e. if the TV plug is inserted there, only when the TV is switched on can those items in the "controlled" outlets amongst the others can be turned on. For instance, the latter might include your amplifier and your DVD player, if you watch a lot of movies. These "controlled" outlets may or may not include your VCR, depending on whether you use it a lot or not.

For instance, if you record a lot of shows to your VCR, you'll want to plug that item into one of the "always on" outlets, otherwise its clock and hence the way your programs can be accurately recorded will be switched off. Another candidate for "always on" outlets would be something that doesn't draw power when off, such as a tape rewinder or a lamp.

Another great candidate for these "smart" power strips are you computer and associated equipment. Video games are an excellent item to have on such strips, for they (it's my understanding) surprisingly don't have the rigid power efficiency standards that TVs, DVDs, etc. have.

Fourthly, I use a product called Kill-A-Watt to measure the power used by whatever's plugged into it. Large power users, of course, are things like refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, water heaters, and even furnaces can be replaced with more-efficient models, in some cases having rebates from your utility company as well as the federal government. Between this and the electricity savings, the new unit may pay for itself. Of course, with furnaces, improving insulation in walls, ceilings, floors, in unheated areas such as, around pipes, and under the water heater (and wrapping the water heater), closing gaps in windows, ducts, and where pipes enter the home will reduce power usage as well.

Last, don't leave power chargers plugged in after the item has finished charging, such as for cell phones and laptops.

By abcs from Shoreline, WA