Are electrical cords in good condition, not frayed or cracked?
Damaged cords may cause a shock or fire. Replace frayed or cracked cords. Do extension cords carry no more than their proper load, as indicated by the ratings labeled on the cord and the appliance? Overloaded extension cords may cause fires. Replace No. 18 gauge cords with No. 16 gauge cords. Older extension cords using small (No. 18 gauge) wires can overheat at 15 or 20 amps. Change the cord to a higher-rated one or unplug some appliances if the rating on the cord is exceeded by the power requirements of the appliances plugged into the cord. SOMETHING FOR NOTHING Free Ways To Lower Your Electric Bill • Place lamps in corners to reflect light from two walls instead of one. Light-colored walls reflect more light than dark walls, so less light is needed. Use task lighting, focused where you need it, rather than lighting an entire room. • Shiny reflector pans under your stove burners help focus the heat more efficiently. Tight-fitting lids on pots and pans produce results faster by not le
