Average electric bill and how to reduce it

This month my summer/July electric bill was a bit over $600.00 so I need to get that down.

Sometimes we have things/issues in our houses that bring our electric bill way up.

I have found that our back door has creaks in it (AC leaks through there) meaning my AC unit will be working harder, and it is summer time so the AC is already on over drive.

Ideas lock that door and use tape to seal the creaks (until) I can convert the door into a newer one that is seal proof.

My water heater turns off automatic so I need to turn in on twice a day (in the morning and at night) so everyone can shower around the same time not making that water heater to over work costing more money.

The lights in my house are always on, so now no lights in the day time, the only part of the house that can be on in the day is when the kitchen is in use.

Goal is the august bill to be $500. 0r less...

The great news is we can save electricity, beating the energy by a few short practices.

In my personal home cutting off the hot water after everyone showers brings down by bill by $60.00- $100. no exaggeration.

Exercise your hands more when doing the dishes, use your dish washer after dinner engagements and large party get together this will cut a tip of the iceberg.

Replace the bulbs with the energy savers, though they were a little more expensive before, now you can purchase the energy bulbs for about the same price as the old ones, and save a bundle.

Fridge door open is a tough issue in my home, my kids love to stand there and just look. Or get the cereal then the milk; pour all the trimmings into the bowl, finishing by putting back the cereal then the milk and lastly closing the fridge. This is a problem. Idea I made a fluorescent sign on my fridge that states PLEASE CLOSE ME WHEN NOT IN USE! It helps, plus the look on my face when I do catch a non-listener helps too.

Turning off appliances not in use is a freebie, though it does not save a whole lot it does add to the jar of coins.

Have your air conditioner cleaned prior to the summer heat, check the filter make sure they are clean, and clean away any dust. All these minimal suggestions add, by making your ac unit work better and less.

Your windows are also a biggie make sure no energy is escaping your home with old shabby windows. In the long run new windows will help save a bundle on your energy bill. Here in south Florida FPL does free energy inspections and even sends workers to give you estimates on any work you might want to conduct in your home for future energy saving criteria. Don't' take mine or anyone else's word for it log on to your personal energy site you will get plenty of advice. Residential FPL Top 10 Tips to Save Energy is a great link on tips to saving on your energy bill.

In my house we went from a $300.00 monthly energy bill to a lovely $167.00-$187.00. Words cannot express how good that feels and how much money I am saving a year. Give it a try for yourself and start saving as early as today

Sunshine625

Gave me a great idea of another way I save, it’s like she describes it’s pennies but if you are like me that everyone has a computer, ipods, and all that techno mumble jumble well, then you need to invest a little.

Right after hurricane season (so you get the better deal) go to your local Lowes, home depot or hardware store and buy those long turn on and off pluggers when in use it’s on as soon as everyone is done (which in my house is at night time or during an electrical storm) all goes off even our televisions, those flat screen suck electricity. Plus this is great so if lightning does strick your gadgets don’t go. Thanks Sunshine for your input.