Reenie Goes Green; Part 2: Saving electricity

This post is courtesy of my friends. I kept seeing this bank commercial about the little things people are doing to save money in our challenging economy. It got me thinking: I bet my friends have great money saving ideas that I should share here. My email plea went out last week and within 24 hours I had enough tips to fill a small book. So -- instead of putting them all together, I'm going to share them in categories. Today, the category is electricity. From the pens of Allie, Brad, Mary-Anne, Kyle and Stephen. Thanks, guys!

-If you're lucky enough to have a vacation home -- be sure to turn off the electric hot water heater when you'll be gone for a bit of time. Speaking of hot water heaters -- one friend mentioned saving $50 a month on her electric bill by switching from an electric hot water heater to an on-demand propane hot water heater. (That one only works if you have access to propane.)

-"Be maniacal about turning off lights." (Had to leave the quote -- I don't think I've ever heard my friend actually be 'maniacal' about anything.)

-Keep your dryer (please make it energy efficient), but when at all possible dry your clothes on a line. Friends tell me they save $50 a month in electric bills during the summer.

-Beware phantom load. This sounds like something out of Star Trek, right? Well, in plain English it means to unplug electric appliances when they're not in use. Think coffee maker, toaster, your cell phone charger when the cell phone is in your purse, the VCR, the microwave, etc, etc. Even if you are not using the item -- there is a small draw of electricity when you keep it plugged in. And, while you're thinking about plugs and table lamps, consider energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (but I've said that before).

Happy saving and lucky me to have such smart friends!

-reenie