Pull the Plug on Electrical Costs

One can never save enough electric. Yet, the growing concern over the cost of utilities coincides with the growing concern for the health of our planet. This enables a household to cut utility costs while "going green" in ways that are easier than ever before. (But honestly, what comes easier than turning off a light?) Put out your left hand to embrace green living and put out your right to embrace cheaper living; you are going to make the connection between the two.

Just Unplug It

We all know to turn off the lights and let our computers go into sleep mode when not in use, but seemingly dormant appliances use a great bit of energy. One magazine editor recently noted that by unplugging his TV, his stereo, and his unused cell phone charger he saved the equivalent of one continuously burning 100 watt bulb each day.

This power is known as "standby power", and by understanding it, you'll better be able to combat it. Unless your electronic item is a complete paperweight when it's off, it most likely is pulling a little standby power from the wall socket. If it uses one of those bulky boxes on its power cord, known as a transformer, it definitely is using standby power. Count the number of those box cords in your home and you'll be surprised.

It's probably impractical to plug and unplug your TV every time you use it. However, when it's off, there is some power drawn into it so that when you press the ON button it responds quickly. (Think about it; the ON button is an electronic button rather than a toggle switch, right?) Older sets use more standby power than newer sets. Most newer sets use less than one amp, and older sets use closer to 5 amps. It's not a huge electrical usage, but it does account for 5% of the yearly household budget once all of the television sets, stereos, VCRs, microwaves, and chargers are taken into account.

Light Pollution

Light pollution is a serious problem that is just coming into the public's awareness. On a dark night, count how many decorative lights are burning in your neighborhood. One porch light or a driveway spotlight is a safety addition; solar powered walkway lights also fall into this category. But, what about the candles in each window to give a home a colonial feel?

Floodlights that wash the front of a home in light are appealing but a heavy burden on the electrical usage. Don't forget the white twinkle lights that are strung year-round for added charm. Wouldn't it be more charming to receive a smaller utility bill each month?

Try to get over the idea of "mood lighting" and set the trend for the neighborhood to be energy efficient without flood lights and candles. Then, install motion sensors for your outdoor lighting. That way, the lights are on when you need them (either when you or an unwanted stranger enters the property) and off when you don't.

Opt for Better Efficiency

Try to replace items with more energy efficient items as often as possible. Washing clothes in cold water rather than hot can save more than $150 a year for the average household. Hanging clothes to dry rather than using a clothes dryer will save an additional $150. Meanwhile, cooling a room with ceiling fans instead of a central air conditioning unit can save $600.

It's a small savings, but cooking meats in a crock pot rather than an oven can save money and make tastier dishes. A crock pot can cook for 3 hours and use only $0.03 while an electric oven uses $0.20 each hour. Using the crock pot for two meals a week can save $18 a year. It's minimal savings, but it's yummy savings!