in our house, we really practice to conserve energy.. so we turn off the lights as much as possible and we do laundry like 2 times a week.. we wait for the clothes to build up before we do laundry.. and we do not turn on the thermostat if it's not that cold and if everyone is just okay with the temperature (everyone can bear the cold nights), we just use thicker blankets.. we also watch movies all at the same time so that we don't have to repeat watching the same movie instead we go to the next title or movie..

Always! We have a programmable thermostat; however, I think it's more effective when I adjust it myself. I only turn it up a few degrees when we first get up. This gives an immediate feeling of warmth because the heat is coming out. I turn it up a little more as the day progresses, and we dial down to 58 at night. I am proud to say our heating expenses for the entire year of 2008 were only $775!

We also keep lights off when not in use, recycle, and make a conscious effort to not waste water or any other resources. I follow these same practices when staying in hotels.

your electric bill of $250 what is the frequency of it. Ours in the UK are usually every six months for both gas and electricity. Few homes have or need A/C in the UK the UK average is for both is about £1200 ($2000) There are many government sponsored plans to insulate houses more and these save about 35% of energy.

We use low energy washing machine and dish washer with full loads. Also we use mostly low energy lighting that saves 50% plus of power. All units are turned of when not in use and not lefty on stand by. it all adds up reducing the utility bills and co2> the heating is now u8seing much less due tio new double glazing with special glass and wall insulation. often the radiators go cool as the desired room temperature in reached.

Marlene,

Pretty big flat for New York!  Just got the water bill today; it went up to $106 for 3 months. Last 3 month bill was $80.  Confused, told Mike to investigate.

Amanda

Hi fmcsev1,

Yes, I do! I would rather increase the number of blankets to keep me warm than use a lot of energy to heat up my place. I'm also trying to save money!

Claire

We have a programable thermostat, however, the wife wants to do her own program!  So that is the way it is in our house.  Actually she is right, she does a great job of keeping it cool at night and during the day when no one is home.  Our hours vary so much that programing a set schedule would be more wasteful.

Night temperatures of 66 and at home temps of 70 are the norm for winter.

Summer is different,, night timeis cooler than the day time hours.. It all depends on who is home and for how long!

Absolutely, we adjust the thermostat by hand, although we have a programmable type.   We also use high efficiency

washer/dryer and have replaced all bulbs with high efficiency types.    Be sure to turn your computers off when not in use and at night.  

Yoiu may be intersted in this:-

http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/temperature.htm

Min temperasture in workplaces should be 16C 61F. In an office or shop and 13C 55F in a place of physical labour

Thanks Ronald; I'm going to share that with my colleauges.

The temperature is probably above 16C in the office, but that still

feels rather chilly to my colleauges and myself.