1. Doing Laundry - Divide and Conquer

Consider dividing your wash into loads and run your washer and dryer for one load every evening, as soon as the off peak time slot begins. If your washer has a delay cycle, you could schedule it for those off peak times at night or to wash in the early mornings. For further energy savings, wash most of your clothes in cold water and always chose 'cold' to rinse. The 'wrinkle-free' setting on a dryer is a wonderful feature to have, but unfortunately, it cycles on/off to keep wrinkles at bay, when the load has not been removed from the dryer. This can cost you, especially during on peak rate times. Either listen for the dryer end-of-load signal, or turn the wrinkle-free setting off, if you plan to 'ignore' the laundry anyways.

2. Dishwasher - Do Them Later & Don't Feel Guilty

You may have trained your family to do dishes right away and to resist the urge to 'do them later'. This chore is now best delayed to a cheaper electricity use period, like off peak. Have it all ready to either run the 'delay' feature or manually turn it on later in the evening. For further energy savings, use a shorter cycle when appropriate or the econo dry feature if you have one; it allows the dishes to air dry after the rinse.

3. Cool - But Only When & Where You Need it!

When it comes to central air, dropping a few degrees may go unnoticed as far as comfort is concerned and it can mean some energy savings. You should also ensure that you are not cooling areas of the home not lived in, such as utility and storage rooms. Look for non-electric ways to keep your home comfortable during the summer. A ceiling fan can be a big help, but make sure it's on the right setting. And drapes closed while the sun is shining, can keep the living room more comfortable.

4. Shun the Oven - Cook With Counter Appliances

Especially during high on peak electricity rate times, use more counter appliances such as cookers, slow cookers, rice cookers, bread makers, griddles and grills, because they will use less energy than your range oven or cook top. Consider more barbecue or outside grilling meals during warm weather and use the microwave for warming or reheating.

5. Refrigerator & Freezer - Efficiency Rules

A freezer that is mostly empty during certain seasons, yet still plugged in 'just in case', could be unplugged when not needed. Consider more efficient models, downsize to an appropriate capacity for your household needs and unplug a freezer that you really only need during holidays or when the garden harvest is ready. The above is from an article by Mariette Mifflin, About.com Guide “A Work Around Strategy to Save Energy if on Time of Use Rates and Smart Meters”