The use of electrical current is all the buzz these days: Electric/hybrid cars, solar and wind generation of electrical power and all the gadgetry requiring the use of electrical power. But most of us still build up pretty sizable electrical bills to run the things in our house that we like. Refridgerators, air conditioners, washing machines, dish washers, TVs, lighting and all those little gadgets add up to a huge, and usually constant, drain of energy. Here’s a quickie on how to understand, and then cut your use.
Electrical use is usually determined by kilowatt hours. A kilowatt hour can be equated with running ten 100 watt bulbs for one hour. today, most utilities charge by the kilowatt hour to the tune of roughly $.20. Sounds cheap, right? But remember your incrementalism. When you start adding up all the appliances in your home, and how often they are on, cents turn into hundreds of dollars in a hurry. And don’t forget, just because you turn an appliance off, it doesn’t mean it’s not drawing electricity. TVs are typical abusers. They always have to be ready for the remote control, which means they are always “on”. Digital clocks on your stove and at your bedside, as well as all the gadgets you are continuously “charging” are all drawing continuous power, not to mention the major appliances that cost the most to run.
To control these costs, use power strips to plug TVs and stereos, etc. into, so that you can completely shut them down with one switch. Use only full loads in the washer/dryer and dishwasher, or better yet, hand wash your dishes - you probably already do most of them by hand already! Get a refridgerator thermometer for your fridge to be sure you’re not over-chilling or freezing, and wear an extra layer instead of turning the heat up. These practices and other practices can add hundreds of dollars a year to your savings, and you know what that can add up to over many years of investment!
How will you retire?!
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