Last summer I signed us up for variable rate electricity for the summer. We ended up spending more on electricity than ever before despite how careful I was to follow the rules which only apply on week days. Of course it was the hottest summer I've experienced in our 15 years here so the air conditioner was working hard during the most expensive time of the day. Our 12 month commitment to the plan runs through part of this summer so I am trying to figure out what I can do during the $0.05 per kwh time (7pm to 2pm) vs the $0.20 kwh time (2pm to 7pm).
The air conditioner is going to run at the set temperature but so far this summer the weather is cooler which will help.I already make sure to shut the blinds/curtains during the afternoon and run the dishwasher only during the cheaper rate times. I was doing laundry on weekends when the variable rate doesn't apply but have realized that doesn't help me save money with the lowest rate so I'll do it on a week day morning.
What else? No computer, tv or cd player during the expensive time. All lights off as well during that time. Can't think of anything else to try though.
Today's Decluttering Items
An unloved tank top
What temperature do you keep your A/C at? Could you experiment with a one degree increase?
ReplyDeleteI've also gotten in the habit of unplugging almost everything after usage, other than clocks and lamps.
Also, I've plugged all my various entertainment components that are to numerous to continually plug in and unplug into power strips that I simply switch on and off as need be.
Last month, with no A/C usage, our bill came in at $30, our lowest ever, so I think the combo of unplugging things plus using power strips where unplugging is impractical is having an impact.
We have done most of those things too and they are excellent suggestions. In the humid SE it is really hard to set the AC temp as high as I would do in the SW without being miserable - at least for me. I'll keep auditing our use though and see what we can do better.
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