How to Reduce the Cost of Your Electric Bill

I recently got my house utility bill which contains the bill that I and my housemates owe for electricity and gas. Now since it's the month of January and it is the winter, I can understand the high cost of gas. However, I was shocked to read how high my electrical bill was. My housemates and I decided to do something about it and we managed to decrease our electric bill substantially. Here's how we did it and here's how you too can save money on your electric bill.

Turn your computer off: This seems so simple but you can't imagine how often people leave their computer on during the day, even when they're not home. This wastes electricity. I can understand if you are charging your computer but if you leave your instant messaging program and your music I-tunes program on as well, your computer is using electricity.

Turn off the tube: one of my housemates, who will remain nameless, leaves the television on whenever he is in the house; even when he is in another room. For example, he will leave his room television on even when he is downstairs having lunch. There's simply no need for it and it wastes electricity.

Use florescent lighting: Not only are florescent lights environmentally friendly, but they also conserving electricity and thus, you will be paying less on your electric bill. You should convert all of your light bulbs to florescent.

Take advantage of daylight: During the daytime when the sun is out, open your blinds and let the sun shine through. When the sun lights up your house, take advantage of it and don't turn on the lights. There should be enough light in that room anyway if it's in the view of the sun.

Turn lights off when not in use: In most people's homes, people get lazy and don't turn off the lights when the exit a room. How often do you go into the bathroom, turn on the light and then forget to turn it off. You obviously don't need the bathroom light on when no one is in there. This applies for any room in the house. Now an exception can be made if you plan on going back into that same room within five minutes. However, if you go from one room to another to have something to eat, watch television, surf the internet, or go to sleep, you should turn off the lights in the rooms which no one is in there.