How To Save Money On Your Electric Bill TODAY

by: Nina Sparanon.sparano@krdo.com

COLORADO SPRINGS – When you’re looking for new ways to cut corners and save money, the answer can be found in your own home. You can save a surprising amount of money by changing the way you operate your appliances.

It’s a little known fact; Even if you’re coffee pot is turned off, it is still using energy. If you follow these simple rules the benefit could be big savings on your electric bill.

TV’s, DVD players, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances, all of these appliances continuously draw power, even when they are switched off.

They’re called,Phantom Loads. According to conservation expert Steve Leinweber, phantom loads are in most of your appliances that use electricity and are costing you money.

“There’s millions of kilowatt hours used every year in peoples homes individually and it all adds up. It’s kind if like having a nickel-and-dime-you-to-death hold in your pocket and your spare change is leaking out.”

For example,your cable box uses about 14.5 kilowatt-hours per month that’s an extra $2 on your bill.

Cutting down on these phantom loads is harder than you think.

“I think we know most of the things that are sucking up energy with the exception of the cell phone which is news to us,” says homeowner Micah Mowery.

“If we really tried in the home here we could at least cut out $25 a month in our utility bill.”

According to Colorado Springs Utilities,phantom loads can best be spotted at night. Turn off all the lights and look around your home. Every appliance marked by a led light, or anything else that glows, is drawing electricity.

If you’re uncertain whether an appliance is drawing electricity, try laying your hands on it. If it’s an electrical item that’s warm to the touch, it’s consuming electricity.

“Make this your lifestyle when you turn things off when you can. If you don’t need them, turn it off,” adds Leinweber.