Our utility bill has averaged $175/mo over the last year, which includes the fluctuations in deep winter and deep summer (yay northeast weather!) After some input from Mustachians, I have looked around and seen places to trim the fat that are easy -- like shutting off fans and lights when not in use and using a Kill-A-Watt to evaluate our energy-sucking devices.
I have a few specific questions about lowering our utility bill, and also am seeking advice generally on things we can do. So, if I didn't ask it please suggest it!
Is anyone in the Boston area selling or willing to loan their Kill-A-Watt? (LOL -- first things first!)
Suggestions for keeping plugs childproofed while also easy to unplug items. (Some of our power strips are covered with childproof covers that are very adult-proof as well. Whenever I open one, I need a tool/break a nail/get a cut when the thing pops open. To avoid buying childproofing items, we plug things in and cover it with furniture, etc., which makes it a PITA to unplug / replug)
Should we unplug our TV, cable box, and PS3 when not in use, or is that going to result in a long turn-on time because things are re-setting? How about our wireless internet router?
We bought a "power line conditioner" many years ago, with our new TV, on the sales pitch that it would extend the life of our TV. It serves as our surge protector for the TV, PS3, and cable box. Is this BS? Is it something that is unnecessarily sucking away power? Or should we keep it plugged in?
We rent a townhome with central air. What can I do to keep the A/C performing efficiently?
We have a loft that we use occasionally. It doesn't have a door, so the hot air in our bedroom goes up there. It has a skylight that we cover up so it doesn't overheat the room. In the summer, we open it at night to vent heat. Should we open it during the day too, or would the outside temp + sun streaming in cancel out the value of that? Should we point a fan up the stairs to get more heat to rise? (or would the cost of leaving the fan on cancel the benefit of venting out the heat?)
Suggestions for cell phone / iPod chargers that will make it easy to unplug them when not in use?