Power Up

Electricity. It’s on your mind everymonth when it’s time to pay the bill and when you come home to find that porch light still on after a weekend away.
But keeping electrical maintenance top of mind can help you save on your electric bill, keep the kids safe and conserve energy.
Here are a few things to consider.
addition to stowing cords away
from pets and children, keep a close eye
on appliances that generate heat, such as
computers, televisions and dryers. Don’t
drape anything flammable over these items.
Check cords regularly for frays, cracks
or kinks and use tape or twist ties to keep
cords in place rather than securing them
with nails or staples. Covered cords generate
heat, so try to avoid covering cords
beneath flammable materials such as rugs.
Consider hiring a licensed electrical
contractor to evaluate your electrical
systems, including fuse boxes and home
electric meters to be sure they’re up to
date. And be sure to ask for tips about
possible energy-saving investments.
Try to maintain control over how much
electricity your household is using. It’s
cliché, but turning off lights and appliances
after use will greatly decrease your
electric bill.
And try running your dryer
at night, if at all. Curbing your hot water use is another way to cut electricity costs; wash clothes in cold water when you can.
Finally, consider plugging all computer, TV and DVD components into one
power strip and get into the habit of turning it off when not in use. It might seem like a hassle, but it’s an easy way to save
energy and money.

Information provided by www.crs.com