Here are a list of things that we have found use up a lot of electricity if they are not operating efficiently:
Refrigerator/Freezers - If they are old, they may be inefficient and run constantly.
Electric range (if applicable) - Again if it's old, it may not be as efficient as it could be. Also if you bake/cook a lot, it may raise your bill. Gas is more efficient for cooking that electric (IMHO). I think electric ranges/ovens waste a lot of energy in pre-heating.
Lights - Consider replacing non-essential lighting with fluorescent units. We have yard light that gives us as much light as two 60 watt bulbs and uses only about 35 watts.
Dryer - Make sure it is clean and free of lint. Consider the use of an off-peak meter. The power is cheaper, but you have to use during times when overall electrical demand is lower (late evening etc.). Check with your local power company for more information.
Hot water (if applicable) - If you have electric hot water, that could account for a large part of your bill. If possible, switch to gas. If that is not feasible, reduce the temperature of the tank to 130-140 and insulate it with a jacket. The best value for hot water is what is called 'on demand hot water'. It is also known as tankless hot water. It heats the water as you use it. You have a continuous stream of hot water and don't have to heat it while you store it. The initial cost can be prohibitive, but if you have a lot of family members or use large amounts of hot water, you realize savings pretty quickly.
Air Conditioning - If it is an older model, it may not be as efficient as it could be. Also, ACs that operate on 220 volts versus 120 volts generally use less power.
Overall, check with your local power company. Some offer programs where they will help you find areas in your house that are using excess power. Some will even help you make changes to become more efficient.
Walter A.
Refrigerator/Freezers - If they are old, they may be inefficient and run constantly.
Electric range (if applicable) - Again if it's old, it may not be as efficient as it could be. Also if you bake/cook a lot, it may raise your bill. Gas is more efficient for cooking that electric (IMHO). I think electric ranges/ovens waste a lot of energy in pre-heating.
Lights - Consider replacing non-essential lighting with fluorescent units. We have yard light that gives us as much light as two 60 watt bulbs and uses only about 35 watts.
Dryer - Make sure it is clean and free of lint. Consider the use of an off-peak meter. The power is cheaper, but you have to use during times when overall electrical demand is lower (late evening etc.). Check with your local power company for more information.
Hot water (if applicable) - If you have electric hot water, that could account for a large part of your bill. If possible, switch to gas. If that is not feasible, reduce the temperature of the tank to 130-140 and insulate it with a jacket. The best value for hot water is what is called 'on demand hot water'. It is also known as tankless hot water. It heats the water as you use it. You have a continuous stream of hot water and don't have to heat it while you store it. The initial cost can be prohibitive, but if you have a lot of family members or use large amounts of hot water, you realize savings pretty quickly.
Air Conditioning - If it is an older model, it may not be as efficient as it could be. Also, ACs that operate on 220 volts versus 120 volts generally use less power.
Overall, check with your local power company. Some offer programs where they will help you find areas in your house that are using excess power. Some will even help you make changes to become more efficient.
Walter A.
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