Super Power Saver save on electricity bills

Shocked by your last electric bill? Here are some things you can do to cut down on energy use in your apartment.

Here's How:

• Avoid using your air conditioning unit as much as possible; use ceiling fans or floor fans to move air.
• Close shades or curtains on sunny windows during the summer and put trees outside these windows for shade. In the winter, keep the shades on these windows open during the day.
• Keep your refrigerator clean: vacuum the motor and coils at least once every 3 months and defrost the freezer at least twice a year (or when the frost is 1/4' thick).
• Check the temperature in your refrigerator: refrigerator should be 38-40°F; freezer 0-5°F.
• If your freezer is somewhat empty, fill empty milk jugs with water and keep them in the freezer.
• Make sure your hot water heater is no higher than 120°F (140° if you have a dishwasher) and insulate the heater and pipes if possible.
• Thermostats should be set no higher than 70°F in the winter and no lower than 78°F in the summer.
• Chimney flues should be closed except when the fireplace is in use.
• Don't run hot water while shaving, washing or doing dishes.
• If you have a dishwasher, use it: it is more efficient than hand washing (full loads only) -- open the door after the final rinse to air dry rather than using the dry cycle.
• Use only cold water rinses in the washing machine; most clothes can also be washed in cold water.
• Use flourescent bulbs in place of incandescents, and always use the lowest wattage necessary.
• Keep filters on all heating and cooling units clean.
• Use low-flow shower heads.
• Air dry clothes whenever possible; if you use the dryer, do as many loads as possible back to back to save dryer heating energy.

Tips:

• Closing vents in unused rooms can cut heating and cooling costs, but closing too many can make the unit work harder, so strike a balance.
• If your power company offers it, take advantage of a free energy audit -- they can tell you where you're losing money and often provide free samples of energy saving bulbs, shower heads, etc.
• Beware of 'phantom' loads: TVs and stereos waiting to be turned on; appliances and electronics with digital clocks; external modems left on.