Our electric bills seem to cost more every year so here’s our top 15 tips to reduce the amount of electric you use.

1. Turn down your heating at night – just add extra blankets and you’ll be just as warm.
2. Clean the lint trap in your dryer regularly as a build up of lint will reduce the machine’s efficiency.
3. If you have space, dry your laundry outside rather than using the dryer.
4. Keep the coils at the back of your refrigerator clean. Again, a build up of dirt will reduce its efficiency.
5. When you cook, turn off the stove or oven 5 - 10 minutes before you expect to take the food off or out.
6. If you can, use your microwave instead of your oven. It’s much faster and so uses much less energy.
7. Always put lids on your pans to speed up the cooking time and keep the water hotter at a lower temperature.
8. If possible, install storm doors. You may even get government help to fit them.
9. Replace the bulbs in lights or lamps that you keep on at night with energy saving bulbs.
10. If you have lights outside, exchange them for solar powered lighting.
11. Only use your dishwasher when it’s full.
12. Move your refrigerator away from heat sources such as your stove or dishwasher.
13. Unplug appliances whenever they aren’t in use.
14. Set the power options on any computers in your home to turn off or go into stand-by mode after 10 minutes inactivity.
15. Turn heating or hot water thermostats down by just a few degrees. It can make a huge difference to your energy use.

You may be able to claim federal aid to update your home appliances and heating/cooling systems. You might also be able to get help towards paying for insulation and other improvements that will cut down on the energy you use.

Take a look at websites such as the ftc.gov which is the Federal Trades Commission’s site for information on reducing your home energy usage.