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Appliances/Purchasing: How to Save Money using Your Appliances

This libguide provides information to make appliance purchasing less stressful.

Tips for Lowering the Cost of Your Appliance Usage

Cheapest Time to Run Appliances/Ameren, MO

  • The  on-peak surge typically occurs when the grid is busy, and electricity is in high demand. During this time, you’ll be paying the highest amount per kilowatt-hour (kWh) used. 

  • Most energy companies' offer time-of-use utility plans that charge more for electricity during peak hours, while off-peak times are much cheaper. If you’re on a standard electricity plan however, rates will remain steady throughout.

  • Ask your utility provider if it offers a time-of-use plan or off-peak tariff.  

  • Typically, electricity is cheaper first thing in the morning before 8 a.m. and after 7 p.m. (after work hours).

    Summer

  •     Central time zone: Peak time is between 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

  •     Off-peak is 5 a.m. to 1 p.m.

          Winter

  •     Central time zone: Peak time is between 5 a.m. to 9 a.m./5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

  •     Off-peak is  9 a.m. to 5 p.m./9 p.m.-5 a.m

Energy.gov Ideas for Saving Money Using Your Appliances

Take Control of Your Electric Bill: How to Measure Home Power Usage