Tips on Saving Electricity and Lowering Your Electricity Bill

From the FamilyHandyman.com

Switch to CFLs: Save up to $35 a bulb

CFL bulb
CFL bulbs will provide 10,000 hours of light and use $10.40
of electricity (at 8¢ per kilowatt hour). To get the same output
with incandescents, you would have to use seven bulbs,
 which would cost less up front, but the electricity would cost $48

Replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) is one of the quickest, easiest ways to save money—and a place everyone can start. CFLs use about 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. This can save you up to $35 in electric costs over the lifetime of each bulb. Switching to CFLs in the five most frequently used fixtures in your house will save about $60 per year, according to Energy Star.

Choose CFLs with the Energy Star label to get the greatest savings. Energy Star products have to meet energy-efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and the Department of Energy. When you shop, keep in mind that light fixtures with dimmers require special CFLs; read the label.

When your CFLs are finally spent, recycle them (to find locations, check with your trash hauler or local government).