Ten Ways to Increase Your Power Bill

Follow these steps for a sure-fire way to spend more on electricity

No one wants a higher electric bill, but just in case you wonder, here are a few good ways to go about it:

Keep little or non-used refrigerators and freezers running.   Depending on their age and location, each can use up to $10 a month in extra energy.   That's a small price to pay to keep a couple of cold drinks conveniently located in the carport.

Have a contest with neighbors to see how much dust your refrigerator and freezer coils can accumulate.   Your appliances will be less efficient, but it's worth it for bragging rights.

While we're talking about refrigerators, keep the door open while deciding what you'll have to eat or drink.   And encourage the kids to open the frig and just look around as often as they want.

Turn on the shower at least 20 minutes before getting in.   It's a cheap alternative to expensive saunas and the gentle rhythm of water drops against the shower floor is a proven stress reliever.

Leave lights on all over the house, day and night.   You'll extend the life of your home's wall switches from 75 to 150 years.

Make sure your doors and windows have torn weather stripping and cracking caulk.   That's more convenient than going outside to see what the temperature's like.

Have a poorly insulated attic.   Your air conditioner will work harder, but there's no need for annoying walk boards in the attic since you'll be able to see where to step on the ceiling joists below.

Set the air conditioner thermostat to 68 degrees.   If 78 degrees feels okay, 68 feels great.   Anyway, it'll get you conditioned for the coming winter.

Don't change your cooling system's indoor filter and locate your dryer's vent outlet next to the outdoor cooling unit.   Besides restricting airflow to both the indoor and outdoor units, you'll help put your heating and air contractor's kids through college.

Do lots of cooking and heavy baking on the hottest summer afternoons.   If you make your air conditioner struggle so the house gets warm, maybe the family will suggest grilling or dining out instead of home-cooked meals.