How To Stop The Electric Devil From Stealing Your Money

Here’s one of those lists that makes you feel guilty because you’re too lazy to do anything on it. It’s 20 ways to trim your energy costs.

As is usually the case with such lists, much of the advice forces you to tedious extremes, such as going to the trouble of hanging out your clothes rather than toss them in the dryer. But now more than ever it seems to be worth the extra effort to save as much money as possible.

Here are the top five items on the list:

1. Turn off the furnace.

2. Set your air-conditioner thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit — although senior citizens or people with medical conditions should consult their physicians before changing their normal home temperature.

3. Clean or replace air-conditioner filters monthly, during periods of use.

4. When shopping for a new air-conditioner — or any other major appliance — look for the ENERGY STAR label and consult the unit’s EnergyGuide for advice on how much money running that particular appliance may cost you.

5. Hang wash on a line to dry whenever possible.

If you like those five, click on the link below to see the next five items on the list, then if you still want more and want to go all-out, follow this link and scroll down for the full 20. Spoiler: none of the suggestions calls for powering any household appliances with 20 hamsters scampering on as many wheels.

Previously: 25 Gadgets That Save You Money.

20 Tips for Saving Energy And Money [Huliq News]
(Photo: The Joy Of The Mundane)

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.