Maybe in 1950’s it was a chic gesture to use more resources. Passing over, in the first decade of the twenty first century, we are struggled with the environment changes and energy crisis. Though, using resources effectively is a chic gesture now!

In the following paragraph you will find some tips to cut your electricity bill while you have the same lifestyle.

Kitchen:

1.   Run dishwasher with full load. Set the program on air-dry option. Check dishwasher and filters regularly to ensure efficient operation 
2.    Ensure refrigerator is level and the seal of refrigerator door is working properly. Clean the refrigerator coil twice per year. Do not leave the door open. Get rid of extra freezer or refrigerator. They are an extra cost on energy bill.
3.   Instead of using oven, use microwave, toaster oven or slow cooker. These small appliances use electricity 75% less than oven.
4.   Use oven self-cleaning option after cooking, while oven is hot.
5.  Turn off the oven before completing the cooking. The stove remains hot after   turning off, that heat will use be for cooking.
6.   Use the right size pot for cooking. Bigger pot absorbs more amount of heat.

Laundry:

1.   Run the washing machine with full load. Set the water level correctly.
2.   Use cold water for washing unless load is very dirty.
3.   Load dryer one after another immediately. Then warm up cycle of the dryer will be minimized.
4.   Clean the lint screen on dryer. A clogged lint screen reduces efficiency of machine.
5.   Use cloth line to dry laundry when it is possible. 

Lightening: 

1.   Use the sunlight when it is possible.
2.   Use compact fluorescent light bulbs or LED lights. These lights use 75% less energy and last longer.
3.   Use light control devices like motion detectors, timers or dimmers. In this way, light is on when you need it.
4.   Dust light fixtures one per month. A cleaner bulb is a brighter one.
5.   Decorate home with illuminate objects and light colors. This kind of space absorbs less light and looks brighter.

Heating:

1.   Change / clean furnace filter once per month. Dust and dirt cause furnace work harder, apparently it needs more energy.
2.   Install a programmable thermostat. Then you change  the temperature at night to a lower degree and adjust temperature at different levels during the day.
3.   Do not block the hot air flow by curtains or furniture. Let warm air flow in the space rather than be absorbed by furniture.
4.   Keep blinds, curtains and sheds closed during the night to prevent heat loss through windows.
5.   Add more layers of clothes rather than increasing temperature of heater.

Cooling:

1.   Use ceiling fan to circulate air through the house. Ensure fan is blowing air downward.
2.   Use “auto” option for fan rather “on”. Then sometimes fan is not working and not using the electricity.
3.   Use the thermostat for setting the temperature. Set the temperature higher  at night or during the day when no one is at home.
4.   Keep blind / curtains and sheds closed in the noon and afternoon (hottest time of the day).
5.   Plant some trees to use their shadows.
6.  Turn off extra lights. Light creates heat rather than light. This heat is extra load for cooling system.

Water heater:

1.  Set the thermostat on 49 Degree Celsius.  It is the temperature that no mould grows on the tank and water is enough hot for shower.
2.  Shut down, set thermostat on the lower temperature when you go for vacation. Then no energy is used to heat unused water.
3.   Use the efficient shower head to save the hot water.
4.   Fix the leaky faucets, to prevent hot water waste.
5.   Take showers, not baths. The hot water for filling the bath tub in 3 times more than hot water for taking a shower.
6.   If the tank is older than 15 years, replace it with a new one. The new tanks use less energy.

Other Tips:

1. Use energy saving monitors and computers. Laptops use less energy than personal computers.
2.   Turn off the monitor at least when you are not using the computer. 60% of energy is used by the monitor.
3.   Have home entertainment systems on one plug. Unplug it when you are not using them. Electricity devices use a few amount of electricity even when they are not in use. It is called phantom energy. By unplugging you save phantom energy.
4.   Unplug computer, charger for cell phone or laptop or any other charger to eliminate phantom energy.
5.   Cover the pool or outdoor hot tubs when not in use.
6.   Use a solar blanket for pool to use the sun energy to heat the water.
7.   Use timer for pool pumps to run them few hours per day. Clean the filter regularly.
8.  Keep the garage door closed to keep heat inside the house.
9.  Shut down the appliances and electronic devices as much as possible, when you are in vacation.
10.  Shut off the heat vents in the rooms when you are not using them.