[Kristen.C]

I've really been trying to keep an eye on our usage because our rates recently went up 50%. Some ideas:

I no longer use nightlights or plug in air fresheners in the bathroom or kitchen. I have no idea how much that helps but every little bit counts.

Keep your freezer full. It doesn't have to run as hard to chill items if everything in there is already cold and tightly packed.

I'm also vigilant about keeping DH's cellphone off of the charger when it already has battery strength or is fully charged. I told him to charge it in the car when he can- that power is FREE. If you do have to charge it in the house don't leave it plugged in all of the time- charge it and then unplug the charger from the wall until you need to use it again.

As far as lights go I stopped using lights during the day unless it was necessary. During the day when the sun is coming in through the patio doors there is no need for me to use light in the living room or dining room. I have also started turning off the TV when I'm not watching it. I used to leave it on for background noise.

As far as your dryer goes if you have to run it do it in the evenings in the summer and the day during the winter. The extra heat during the day in the winter will allow you to use less power heating the home and running it in the evenings when it is cooler during the summer will keep the AC from being overtaxed during the day.

Change/clean your AC filters as often as it is called for. When they clog up with pollen, dust, dirt, etc they do not run as efficiently. This makes a huge difference.

If there is an area of your home that you don't use daily or don't need to keep as cool then close the vents and door to that area. My home office isn't really used on the weekends and some days during the week so I close the door and shut the vent to that room. I don't need it cool in there if I'm not using the space. Same goes for the winter.

Along the same lines of thought if you have doors and windows or drafty areas in your bedroom that you don't have the time or money to insulate and cause problems in the winter, try moving your bed to an interior wall. Our apartment is brick with cheap drywall and moving the bed allowed us to not have to turn the heat up at night. My head wasn't right next to a chilly wall.

Our bill only went up a few dollars this month even with the rate increase, however DH and I were away for 4 days also so that would have meant that we used less electricity. The small changes I've made here and there have made a difference. Good luck to you!