If your electric bill is higher than you want it to be and you'd like to bring it down . . . then you need to know what's making it go up. Here are the culprits:

Plug into savings
You can take a number of steps to lower your electric bill, including:

Raise the bar
The easiest way to save energy is to raise your thermostat a little when it's warm outside, and lower when it's cool. In the summer, keep your air conditioner thermostat set at 80 degrees or higher. Turn it off completely or set it at 85 degrees when you're away from home for more than four hours.

Less is more
During winter months, set your heat thermostat at 68 degrees or less, and turn it down to 55 degrees at bedtime. (Add an extra blanket or comforter.)

FANtastic idea
Use circulating fans to increase comfort; turn them off in unoccupied areas.

Monthly ritual
Clean or replace air conditioner filter monthly.

Ready, reset, go
Reset both upper and lower thermostats on your hot water heater to 125 degrees or lower.

Off you go!
If you leave your apartment for two days or more, turn off the power to your hot water heater at the circuit breaker.

Cool suds
Wash and rinse your clothes in cold water.

Made in the shade
Use shades, drapes, blinds or other window coverings to keep out summer heat and winter cold.