from Tom in Hartford, WI:
#496
Can I save money by only turning on my hot water hearter; doing dishes; washing clothes; etc. at night?
When it comes to saving energy, you have choices. Read on!
When it comes to using energy and what that energy will cost, you have choices. Most utilities have different rate options available for customers. By choosing the rate option that work best for you, your family and your lifestyle, you can reduce the amount you pay for electricity just by using it wisely and at the right time.
The electricity you use during your utility’s off-peak hours (typically between late evening and overnight hours and weekends) is billed at a significant discount. Why? Off-peak hours are when the demands for electricity are lowest. By using less electricity during the day, you're helping to keep the power flowing, and you're helping the environment! By shifting your significant electricity use from times of high electric demand to when demand is low (off-peak), you will save. The more you shift to off-peak, the more you can save. Utility off-peak programs and rates vary. To determine the best times and savings, you’ll want to check with your utility to find out when their off-peak hours are.
Energy-efficient appliances will also save you money because they use less energy compared to standard models. If you need to replace your appliances, be sure to purchase only ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and lighting, installing a high efficiency water heater and furnace with an electronically-commutated motor (ECM) and ensuring your central air conditioner is at least a SEER 15 will all go a long way in making your home as energy efficient as possible.
To find out more about your household appliances and how much energy they use, view our appliance energy use fact sheet. Or, you can use a watt meter. A watt meter is a fun way to find out how much electricity home appliances and electronics consume. (A watt meter is an electronic instrument that measures the power (watts) used by devices. When you plug the meter into the appliance, you can measure how much electricity your appliances/electronics are using and what they are costing you.) Plug the watt meter into an outlet, and then plug a device into the watt meter. Try it with the device on, then turn it off to see the difference—and to catch a glimpse of "standby power” at work! Visit your local library to see if they have a watt meter you can borrow. If your library does not have a watt meter at that location, they can get one through an inter-library loan.