Most people have a computer in their home. Typically, they plug the computer into a surge suppressor power strip to protect the device from power spikes. This is only one purpose for such a device.

You can also use your power strip to save on the electricity bill by shutting the computer off and turning the power strip off. Otherwise, the system’s power supply will still draw small amounts of power from the socket.

Another way to save a great deal of money is to replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent bulbs. The cost of purpose is negligible when you consider how much less you will have to pay for the same amount of light.

Just one CFL will save thirty five dollars over a ten year period. Additional savings will result from cooler rooms because fluorescents generate far less heat than incandescent.

You can also save on the electricity bill by using large appliances only in the early mornings and evenings. Operating ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers adds a great deal of heat to the room. Using them only in the cooler parts of the day will prevent the house from overheating and taxing the air conditioner with extra work.

Also, close your curtains and blinds during the sunny parts of the day. Natural sunlight, particular during this current drought, is blistering hot and will overtax your AC simply by shining into a room.

It also will save on the electricity bill if you take the simple step of sealing off all possible air leaks. Heat travels, so any cracks around windows and doors will let hot air from the yard into your home.

Caulk is relatively cheap and has become amazingly easy to apply. Removing your old weather stripping and replacing it with fresh sealant will ensure that your cool air stays where you want it to stay-inside.

Some insulation materials are also eligible for a 30 percent energy efficient federal tax credit. Before you change insulation, study the tax codes online and give yourself the maximum payback opportunity.

Another simply way to save on the electricity bill is to set your AC to 78 degrees. This is the optimal temperature setting for a central air unit.

This may feel a bit hot compared to what you are accustomed to. Adding a cheap floor fan or ceiling fan, however, will offset this immediately. It takes only pennies a day to run some fans.

Cooking in the microwave oven will also save on the electricity bill. Only thick pieces of meat need to be cooked in an oven or over the open stove.

Fish, vegetables, thin strips of chicken, and deserts can be cooked just as effectively in the microwave as they can be in a conventional oven. Place the food items away from the center of the microwave turntable. This will evenly distribute the microwave heat over the food items, and it will also cook them more quickly.

Finally, make sure you are on a fixed rate plan. Call your electricity company and make sure that you have a predictable rate for your energy that is guaranteed to stay at that price for the duration of your contract. When facing a heat wave and all the problems that go with it, you do not want to gamble on variable rates subject to market fluctuations.

MXenergy is a leader in how to save on electricity as well as a retail power company which offers commercial and retail electricity.

Please visit us at http://www.mxenergy.com/ for all your energy needs.

Author Bio: MXenergy is a leader in how to save on electricity as well as a retail power company which offers commercial and retail electricity.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: how to save on electricity, electricity and gas, natural gas rates, energy companies, saving energy