With things starting to heat up on the weather front (I’m in Florida and it’s hot already) it’s time to take a crack at reducing our summer electric bill.  What follows are some simple green tips that can save you some serious cash this summer.

• Raise that air conditioning a degree or two – and even more significantly if you’re going out for an extended period of time.  Better yet get a programmable thermostat and take control of your indoor climate, room by room.
• During the day, lower those window shades.  You’d be surprised how much radiant heat is generated by the sun.
• As with any time of year unplug, or turn off the power-strips for those sleeping computers, TVs and stereo equipment that are sucking energy up as they sit idle in standby mode.
• Line-dry those clothes.  If you don’t have indoor or outdoor space for a line, simply use hangers to hang up your duds on your shower pole.  Your whitey tidies will smell springtime fresh, last longer, and you’ll save a big chunk on your monthly electric bill.
• Speaking of your electric bill – check what time your off-peak billing cycle begins each day.  By running dishwashers and washers + dryers during off-peak hours you’ll not only be saving your utility company some heavy lifting but you’ll dramatically reduce your bill.

Related:  more green living tips previously on altCon
green tips category