With the energy crisis in California and the severe water shortage here in Florida, I am further my own frugal efforts to show you ways to both save money and be earth friendly. While you won't catch me hugging trees, I rather like the planet and think we should care for it as best we are able to pass it along to all the people in the future.
With that in mind, please find some energy savings tips to cut your electric bill!
Avoid using your air conditioning unit as much as possible; use ceiling fans or floor fans to move air.
Close shades or curtains on sunny windows during the summer; put trees outside these windows for shade; in the winter keep the shades on these windows open during the day as sunlight will cause your house temperature to rise.
Keep your refrigerator clean: vacuum the motor and coils at least every 3 months; defrost the freezer at least twice a year or when the frost is 1/4" thick Try to keep your freezer filled as best you are able. This requires less energy to maintain as the frozen things keep the temperature lower. If your freezer is somewhat empty, fill empty milk jugs with water and keep them in the freezer , this will also lower your electric bill!
Thermostats should be set no higher than 70°F in the winter and no lower than 78°F in the summer. You can always wear more clothing if necessary and snuggle with a blanket when sitting still. This should be seen as a fun frugal exercise you can share with the whole family!
If you have a dishwasher, use it: it is more efficient than hand washing (full loads only); open the door after the final rinse to air dry rather than using the dry cycle
Use only cold water rinses in the washing machine; most clothes can also be washed in cold water.
Keep filters on all heating and cooling units clean. You would be amazed at how much money this inexpensive item can save you!
Air dry clothes whenever possible; if you use the dryer, do as many loads as possible back to back to save dryer heating energy If you are going to air dry your clothing, use fabric softener to lessen that “hard” effect that line drying creates.
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