With oil prices hitting an all-time high, we should expect a corresponding increase in our electricity bill. Most of our electricity is derived from burning oil and any increase in the price of oil jacks up the cost of producing electricity. Hence, in this time of crisis, conserving energy must be practiced more than ever. Conserving energy entails making a few lifestyle changes that when done, corresponds to a much less consumption and bills. Here are some tips on how to conserve energy:

1. Scrimp on air conditioning. An air conditioner unit consumes electricity more than any other appliance in the house. Try reducing the number of hours in which you use the aircon. Try setting the thermostat higher too, to save on energy.
2. Iron your clothes in one batch. Ironing clothes in this manner, rather than one by one, as you need it, saves electricity as well. Besides, you’d save time by having your clothes ironed out in advance.
3. Turn off appliances that are not in use. This little tip alone could help you considerably decrease your energy consumption.
4. Use fluorescent lamps rather than incandescent. Fluorescent lamps, for the same amount of light delivered, utilize less energy. These lamps would also prove to be economical in the long run, as they last longer as well.
5. Invest in a refrigerator with an ice and water dispenser. Getting water and ice is the top reason why we open a refrigerator. Try investing in a refrigerator with an ice and water dispenser to avoid opening the appliance and save energy in the process.
6. Invest in energy-saving devices. When you buy appliances, ask around for brand sand models that save energy. This might cost more at face value, but the long-term savings would be big enough to offset it.