How to Save Money

[michigansundog]

Unplug your printer.
Unplug your power strips and wall warts when not in use.

If you go away for a few days, unplug things.

I've been doing this for the past few months and it has made a sizable difference. My last month's energy use, compared with last year's bill at the same time, was reduced 29%. Even though prices have gone up since then (

Comments

[arib]

My desktop and peripherals are all on one powerstrip that I turn off when I'm not using. It's amazing how quiet the room gets when all the wall-warts aren't buzzing.

[ampersandy]

When I bought the house, it didn't have a refrigerator, and there was a big space under a counter where there apparently was once a dishwasher.

So I noted the dimensions of the space, shopped around, and bought a fridge that fits perfectly in the dishwasher's former spot. No freezer in this fridge. Picked up a small freezer (5 cu. ft.) that I store in the basement, and only turn it on when I need to freeze something.

By having no freezer in the kitchen, I am never tempted to bring home ice cream. By having a 3' high fridge, I am forced to bend over (exercise) every time I want to eat something.

The electric bill rarely goes over $30, and is $20 most of the year.

Boo for phantom electricity! Yay for unplugging & downsizing!