Tips on saving electricity

[Ladybug76]

Originally Posted by desertrat

That can't be right. They do not know when you use power. They barely know how much you use on a monthly basis. Peak hours just get passed on to us no matter what.

All this time I thought..... That does make sense though. I must have thought it was individual peak hours. It must be a % of usage across the board. I'll have to dig up one of those old bills.

[Ladybug76]

Originally Posted by Kyle

Run an extension cord through your window to a neighbors outside outlet.

We knew some people who drilled a small hole in the box and stuck an allen wrench in the meter to keep it from turning. One week they forgot to take it out when the meter checker came around. They ended up getting a bill for over $7000 from the electric company (not sure how they figured the amount). I could never figure out how they could afford to keep their house so cold!

[Chain729 (Premo)]

In addition to what was said:

Programable thermostat
Don't run washer or dishwasher unless you have a full load. Do as few loads as possible.
Running these appliances at night when it's cooler saves on heating/cooling
Better yet, hand wash dishes
Leave blinds/curtains open during the day to let the sun in- light + helps with heating. Close at night.
Shade your A/C unit.
Seal & insulate any ductwork going through un-insulated areas.
Close vents in rooms that you don't use.
Take short showers rather than baths.

[Cowgirl]

Originally Posted by Dye Tied

I do have a meat thermometer

Good idea! Run hot water over a steak, then take the temp of the steak!

[stylin]

Originally Posted by Chain729

In addition to what was said:

Programable thermostat
Don't run washer or dishwasher unless you have a full load. Do as few loads as possible.
Running these appliances at night when it's cooler saves on heating/cooling
Better yet, hand wash dishes
Leave blinds/curtains open during the day to let the sun in- light + helps with heating. Close at night.
Shade your A/C unit.
Seal & insulate any ductwork going through un-insulated areas.
Close vents in rooms that you don't use.
Take short showers rather than baths.

DO NOT close vents in rooms that you are not using if you have forced air or heat. It makes everything work harder. Think of a balloon and you pull back on the opening and it makes that squeeking sound...thats what you are doing to it....making it work harder to get the air out. At least that is what I was told.

[GWguy]

Originally Posted by stylin

DO NOT close vents in rooms that you are not using if you have forced air or heat. It makes everything work harder. Think of a balloon and you pull back on the opening and it makes that squeeking sound...thats what you are doing to it....making it work harder to get the air out. At least that is what I was told.

It's not a problem if the RETURN vents are not in the areas you've closed off.

[David]

Originally Posted by desertrat

That can't be right. They do not know when you use power. They barely know how much you use on a monthly basis. Peak hours just get passed on to us no matter what.

In some places like California, they will charge you different rate for peak, low-peak, and off-peak power use, but you need a meter that records use by time of day. I was just reading that off-peak rates could be 50% off (8pm to 10am).

Apparently, many power plants are either on or off. Off-peak, they create much more power than is used and they just "burn it off." Some argue that this is yet another good justification for plug-in hybrid, or all electric cars. Plug it in off-peak, save the power from being wasted, and get a better rate.

I was just checking to see if SMECO offer off-peak rates...does not appear so.

P.S. Check out the Upcoming Chevy Volt all electric car due in 2010 (hopefully)

Chevrolet | New Electric Car - Concept Chevy Volt

[Mousebaby (Premo)]

Keep your sneaky azz neighbors from plugging in a gosh darn extension cord and feeding it to THEIR house because they are too lazy to get jobs and pay their own daaaaaaaaaaaaang bills!!!

[Chain729 (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Mousebaby

Keep your sneaky azz neighbors from plugging in a gosh darn extension cord and feeding it to THEIR house because they are too lazy to get jobs and pay their own daaaaaaaaaaaaang bills!!!

No jobs? Instead of unplugging it, cut it. Extension cords rated at any type of real power get expensive quick.

[Chain729 (Premo)]

Originally Posted by David

In some places like California, they will charge you different rate for peak, low-peak, and off-peak power use, but you need a meter that records use by time of day. I was just reading that off-peak rates could be 50% off (8pm to 10am).

Apparently, many power plants are either on or off. Off-peak, they create much more power than is used and they just "burn it off." Some argue that this is yet another good justification for plug-in hybrid, or all electric cars. Plug it in off-peak, save the power from being wasted, and get a better rate.

I was just checking to see if SMECO offer off-peak rates...does not appear so.

P.S. Check out the Upcoming Chevy Volt all electric car due in 2010 (hopefully)

Chevrolet | New Electric Car - Concept Chevy Volt

I want to know how much the batteries cost and how often they have to be replaced.