How to Save Money on Electricity Bill

I had to leave work early yesterday so I didn't get snowed in at work. When I came home I did some research on saving money on the electricity bill. Here's what I found out:

Reducing fridge costs.

• Turn off the second fridge when not being used. (eg a beer fridge in winter)


• increase the fridge & freezer temperature a degree or two


• don't put hot food in the fridge, let it cool first


• keep the fridge coils clean and allow the air flow around them


• keep fridge in a cool airy spot


• fix broken seals

Heating costs.

• *for each degree of difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature there is a 10% increase in the cost of heating or cooling


• so adjust the thermostat by a couple of degrees


• use insulation in wall & ceilings


• seal up draughts under doors and windows


• use draught stoppers, heavy curtains


• only heat or cool the room you are using


• switch off appliances at the wall to save standby power costs


• insulate the hot water pipes


• lower the hot water service temperature

You can calculate the stand by power used by appliances by turning everthing off as you normally do and then go out and check the meter. I would do this except for the fact is has been snowing and it bloody cold outside! But I will do it one warmer day to check it out. We have so many electrical things that we just leave on standby, computers, TV's etc.

So I turned the fridge up, I am nagging the family about the temperature and to not overheat the place. I have banned the electric dryer and our lounge room now resembles a laundromat, but thats OK. I did find an old clotheshorse that has been resurected. I've pretty much done everything on the list.I will find some draught stoppers and put them on the doors on the weekend.

I just found this great post about a power cost monitor, available in the US, I don't know if it's available elsewhere. It looks like a good way to monitor the power useage in the home.

Well when I got up this morning the roads were closed and I was relishing the idea of a paid day at home. No such luck! They have opened the roads again so I have to go to work.

My ebay auctions have done well they all finish later today, so far I have made $243, but none of the clothes sold. So that will all go off the house this month. I can't wait till Monday to post my tallys for the month!