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Old 02-20-2008, 12:20 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Question Tips on saving electricity

I'm thinking about turning the temp down on my hot water heater to save on my electric bill. What temp should it be set at?
Does anybody else have some energy saving tips?
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Old 02-20-2008, 12:21 PM   #2 (permalink)
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That only works if you don't have a dishwasher
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Old 02-20-2008, 12:22 PM   #3 (permalink)
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I keep my thermostat at 68 and turn my PC off after each use. Another good tip is to put a magnet on your meter base I used to be a meter reader for SMECO some years back and ppl would try this...

Instead of time drying your clothes in the dryer, use the automatic settings so the dryer let's you know when your clothes are dry.
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Old 02-20-2008, 12:22 PM   #4 (permalink)
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I wish I could get to my water heater and if I could, I would not know where the thermostat was
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Old 02-20-2008, 12:24 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Insulate your crawlspace/unheated basement.
CFLs
Check weatherstripping around windows and doors
I think the recommended temp on the water heater should be 120*
Insulate your HW heater and hw lines out.
Use high draw appliances at off peak times.
Alternative heat sources

Like Mighty Mouse said-Turn off your comp @ the surge protector. Stand by power is still drawing.
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Old 02-20-2008, 12:31 PM   #6 (permalink)
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I wish I could get to my water heater and if I could, I would not know where the thermostat was
When you find it, it's in the raised blue rectangular object on the front. Oe screw each at top and bottom.
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Old 02-20-2008, 12:35 PM   #7 (permalink)
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When you find it, it's in the raised blue rectangular object on the front. Oe screw each at top and bottom.
I can see the water heater. It's very old and 5 feet tall but it's a tight squeeze to get to it and I can't move my full size stacked laundry unit. I will try to get to it tonight.

I'll take my phone so in case I get stuck, I can call for a pull out
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Old 02-20-2008, 12:35 PM   #8 (permalink)
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We set our thermostat at around 62. Set it lower during the day when you're not home. Turn off all lights when not in use. Unplug chargers (cellphone, etc), wash your laundry on cold settings, hang laundry to dry, turn off all appliances (TV, DVD players, etc.).
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Old 02-20-2008, 12:35 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by timex View Post
I'm thinking about turning the temp down on my hot water heater to save on my electric bill. What temp should it be set at?
Does anybody else have some energy saving tips?
Don't use it - seems to be the only thing that works at our house.

Seriously, get a timer for you water heater it's well worth it, set it to be off when not at home or during night - no need for hot water then. Also wash clothes in cold water and dry on low heat or hang up. Unplug anything that's not being used. This is a pain but it does help, all those little clocks on the front of the dvd player take power. I've also heard that leaving chargers plugged in (cell phone) when not being used draw electric. I've really cracked down in our house about lights, tv's being left on. I only use 1 lamp in the living room at nights - has been driving hubby nuts. Every little bit counts - my bill is a little ($20-$40) better depending but it adds up and will probably get a little better once everyong gets in the "turn the lights off" mode. Since really paying attention to the lights I'm amazed at how many people turn on a light vs. pulling up the shade.
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Old 02-20-2008, 12:36 PM   #10 (permalink)
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Kill all the vampires in your house.
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