electric bills

[happycoupon]

I've always done the "un-plug". It's something my parents would tell me, lol.

Anyway, I don't know if it helps or not b/c our electric bill is always so expensive. I think it's more expensive at winter time than spring/summer though.

We have an energy bulb for the outside light b/c that stays on all night. Cell phone chargers get unplugged every morning & plugged back in if the phone needs charging (usually at night). The only things that stay plugged in at my house: Fridge, microwave, computer, Tv1, Tv2, & washer/dryer.

[thriftyshopper]

If it wasn't for the refrigerator (and a teenager who'd never go for it) I'd be sorely tempted to shut off the power completely as in Little House on the Prairie! My DD and her husband moved out earlier this month and so I was expecting a lower electric bill--NOT! Monthly bill included about two weeks that they weren't here so you'd think 30 less hot showers, one less TV and laptop, 1/2 the laundry etc. would make a difference, but it didn't. $289.00 for a just under 1100 square foot house. Got a new washer/dryer last year so I know they're energey efficient. My refrigerator was donated to me and is very old. Probably uses a lot of electricity but don't have cash for a new one and don't want to put it on a credit card. I am seriously ready to pitch a tent by the river As if electricity wasn't bad enough, our flat-fee water bill is over $70. a month, then sewer, storm drains, garbage...it's crazy!

[BarbaraH]

I have been unpluging un needed things for a yr already,I am doing for the 'Green" thing.
Changed themostate about 2 yrs. bk.-know it helps
Lightbulbs also-as I can.

Now if only I could fig. a way to make my water bill less-runs around $70 a mnth.-for 3 people. Thinking of going to "on Demand" hot water too,sounds like a good investment.

[BarbaraH]

Ck. cragslist for a good cheap fridge,I bought a washer/dryer in NEW cond. for $100 and stills wks great. Sometimes people even GIVE them away FREE, a lot of people are remodleing or buying new models and just want the other taken away.

[micki4297]

we have noticed a little difference, but not much. we started using our fireplace more and turning our furnance down. we keep it on 64-65 and yes its pretty chilly in here. i am up for anything if it saves us money. my dh takes care of the bills and he just said our electric is only down maybe an extra dollar or two.

[micki4297]

what really stinks is when one of your kids goes off to college and u really notice the difference in electric and water going down. then they decide to move back home after christmas break and it all goes back up again.

[NiftyThrifty]

Originally Posted by BarbaraH

Now if only I could fig. a way to make my water bill less-runs around $70 a mnth.-for 3 people. Thinking of going to "on Demand" hot water too,sounds like a good investment.

If you run a dehumidifier in summer, use the water from that to water garden/plants/fish-tank-water. Don't rinse dishes before putting in dishwasher. We have a clean 5-gal bucket in each shower ... collect shower water in here while you are waiting for water to get hot, then remove & shower, afterwards, dump into washer to do laundry (or water plants, etc)

[NiftyThrifty]

Furnace is set at 60 at night and 64 during day. Water heater set to 120. Very limited dryer use. We unplug everything and are very stingy with lights. Bill still went up from $90 (ave) to $337 last month because of cold winter and rate increases. Can't wait til warmer weather!!!

[nerdycoupongirl]

I do that, and yes it does work! My bill has gone down $12-$20 a month from this time last year by doing this.

I use a space heater instead of my central heat. Use the "green" bulbs in all lights except bathroom.

My apartment has water included, thank goodness!

My bill is anywhere from $35 to $50 a month.

[vagabond2]

Originally Posted by NiftyThrifty

Furnace is set at 60 at night and 64 during day. Water heater set to 120. Very limited dryer use. We unplug everything and are very stingy with lights. Bill still went up from $90 (ave) to $337 last month because of cold winter and rate increases. Can't wait til warmer weather!!!

my husband goes what??? at night and day......"I say not!"

How do you stay warm?? and although we're in FL now we've lived MI,OH,VT,ME,Buffalo, so we know what cold is!