Honolulu Weekly

Learn how to read your electric meter and take regular readings

You must keep good records because you have to calculate how many kilowatt hours kWh you’ve used by subtracting the current reading from the previous one you took. A computer with a spreadsheet program makes this recordkeeping easy. Focusing your attention on your consumption is the first step toward getting better control over it. For most households, heating your water consumes the largest portion of the total energy consumed. If you use an electric water heater, you can substantially reduce your electric bill by changing your pattern of use and/or your water heating system. The single largest contributor to energy consumption is how much hot water you draw from the tap. Reduce the amount you use, and your effort will be reflected in your electricity cost.

Install a low-flow showerhead

The standard showerhead delivers two and a half gallons per minute, but you may be able to replace yours with a more efficient unit. Older shower heads can flow at rates of four gallons per minute or more, so spending $5-10 for a new showerhead can greatly reduce your electric bill.

Shorten your shower time

Most people can get squeaky clean in a five-minute shower.

Take a shower rather than a bath

A five-minute shower uses about 12 gallons of water. A bath can use four or more times that amount.

Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible

Most clothing does not require hot water particularly with today’s detergents.

Cool off with fans and natural ventilation

Using air conditioning to cool your house can use as much, or more, energy than heating your water. If you must use AC, set the thermostat as high as possible.

Think about a new fridge

Your refrigerator is generally the second largest consumer of electricity in your house. If your refrigerator is more than 10 years old, think about replacing it. A new model will probably save you at least 500 kWh per year–about $150 worth of electricity at today’s rates. If you buy a new refrigerator to save electricity, get one with the freezer on top. Other models, especially side-by-side units, consume a lot more energy. Compare the yellow Energy Guide labels for each model. If you’re not in the market for a fridge, at least try to minimize the number of times you open it.

Use energy efficient lighting

Lights and other home appliances account for the rest of our electric consumption. Replace standard incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps in sockets that you regularly keep on at least two hours per day.