Often, just a few small adjustments can save you money if you are willing to stick to the plan. First, evaluate what appliances and equipment are your biggest users of electricity. In general, electric devices that heat or cool are the big users. Some of these items include water heaters, air conditioners and heaters, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, hot tubs and saunas, and pool pumps. Next, decide if you can avoid using these electric devices during the peak periods. For devices that you only use occasionally or on a set periodic schedule, consider doing those activities on Saturday or Sunday which are always off-peak times.
Some examples of ways to shift your usage times are:
- Use the delay timer setting on your washing machine, dishwasher and other devices to use them during off-peak times. Or only use them during those periods.
- Do laundry and vacuuming on weekends.
Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures for on-peak and off-peak hours. - Do your baking and cooking on weekends or during other off-peak times. You will only use a small amount of energy to reheat the meal later.
Timers can make it easy to concentrate your electric usage during off-peak times. Plug-in appliance timers are available for a modest price from most hardware and home improvement stores. They can be used to control room air conditioners or heaters, pool pumps, and even that extra freezer that you open only occasionally.
For hard-wired devices such as a water heater, consult with an electrician or heating and plumbing contractor for installation of a timer. A timer allows the device to only come on during off-peak times. You will need to adjust the timers twice a year to accommodate the winter and summer off-peak times.