Skip to content
Home » Topics » What Do You DO to Save on Utilites?    

What Do You DO to Save on Utilites?    

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 25 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #19910
    imported_CSinbad
    Participant

      I know that there are a lot of ways to save money on Utilites.  Please include your ideas.  I know that will help everyone.

      #20959
      imported_momof9
      Participant

        I always spin my clothes in the washer 2-3 extra times. This gets alot of water out of them and then they dry in about half the time. It is the dryer that takes so much electricity.

        #20961
        imported_CSinbad
        Participant

          I usually air dry my clothes. I Put the rack in the bathtub after we are done showering. Until then (or if I am tired) I keep it in the bedroom hidden from view.  If I have more than 1 rack I just put both in my bedroom or out on the porch in the sun.  Once in a while I put clothes in the dryer for a few minutes to remove lint.

          #20987
          imported_CSinbad
          Participant

            I turn the water heater off at night.  Use florescent bulbs and as an added bonus in the summer it isn’t as hot as regular bulbs.  I cook 2 or more meals at once and keep the heat down low during the day.  At night I wear a blanket while reclining.  When I get up I move rapidly to increase blood flow thus I stay warmer and increase my metabolism.

            #20995
            imported_CSinbad
            Participant

              Recently I noticed air coming under the door so I attached clear packing tape to the the bottom part of the rubber strip. ÝI then layered more tape over the first about 3 more times. Ý(Make sure to hook the tape so it won’t stick to the ground and tear off. ÝHook it to itself.) ÝNow I have a draft dodger for about 50 cents (or less) worth of packing tape that should last quite awhile and that is nearly invisible. ÝYou could use duct tape but I like the idea of visitors not readily seeing my frugal draft dodger. Ý Ý  

              #20999
              imported_graci42
              Participant

                1.  Limit TV, Computer, and Video Game time (schedule) for the children.
                2.  Unplug or turn appliances off with a power bar when not in use.
                3.  Make coffee and use a Carafe instead of leaving the pot on (save electricity and wear and tear on the coffee maker).
                4.  Use crock pot as much as possible.  This and cooking double meals — eat half and freeze the rest.
                5.  Take advantage of natural light during the day.
                6.  Line dry as much as possible.
                7.  When running hot water, I use a rubber made tub to catch the cold H2O until it comes to temp.  I put cold water which would have run down the drain into the washing machine or use it for watering plants, dog or cat.  It really adds up!
                8.  Also use tubs when I wash dishes.  a. They hold less water than my double sink.  b. rinse water can be used in the washing machine or for flushing.
                9.  Bathe every other day w/ sponge bath inbetween and am careful about water level in tub.
                10.  keep spray bottle of H2O and vinigar so I can clean up small messes on floor and counters…less floor scrubbing…less water use.
                11.  Use night lights to prevent accidents at night.

                #21000
                imported_emmalouisa2000
                Participant

                  Sometime last year, our refridgerator/freezer broke down and we temporarily fixed it by rewiring the thermostat.  the trouble was, everything froze solid, even in the fridge. To combat this, we used a wall socket timer, which switched the fridge on and off as many times as we wanted at 15 minute intervals.  well, we haven’t stopped doing this since having the machine off some of the time has saved on electricity bills greatly. we need it on slightly more during the summer, but over winter, it is int he off position tonnes, and only on for about 2hours ata time!

                  #21006
                  imported_CSinbad
                  Participant

                    That sounds like a real money saver but I would watch it very closely.  You don’t want food spoiling so your system is not for every one.  I would be scared about potential health problems so I wouldn’t consider doing that.

                    #21010
                    Anonymous

                      The refrgerator doesn’t have enough time to cool down.  In fact, during the winter, the freezer accidentally got turned off all night and in the morning, everything was still frozen solid. we’re only talking about the machine being off for up to 30 minutes at a time, and then on for at least anhour after it.  I have not had any food defrost yet, but my bills have been reduced!

                      #21015
                      Anonymous

                        This message has been deleted by the editor.

                        #21020
                        imported_CSinbad
                        Participant

                          Crock Pots are convient.  They save time and food is usually moist but they don’t save electricity.  Think about it this way.  It is on for usually 8 or more hours whereas a burner is only on usually less than an hour.  So use them for great easy to prepare meals but not to save electric.

                          #21047
                          imported_emily1067
                          Participant

                            I have a couple tips to share:

                            1.  After the dishwasher is done washing open it up and let the dishes air dry.

                            2.  Fill up pop bottle with water and stick them in the freezer to fill in any empty spaces.  Freezers run more efficiently when full.

                            #21119
                            Anonymous

                              ~In winter I fill soda bottle with water and freeze them outside and put them in my fridge to leasen the cooling burndun. I use eight bottles. Four in the fridge and four freezing outside. I rotate every 12 hours. Also, wearing a hat inside in the winter keeps you nice and warm. I think about 75% of heat is lost through your head.

                              ~put a timer on the hot water tank
                              ~set an egg timer to remind yourself to get out of the shower after 3-5 minutes.
                              ~Use the microwave when possible
                              ~unplug all electrical appliances when not in use.
                              ~energy ssaving lightbulbs
                              ~fans instead of A/C

                              #21199
                              imported_Tobster
                              Participant

                                Change to a low flow shower head, about $6. Repays for itself the first month.

                                We enter our house through the garage instead of the front door in the winter. No cold wind blowing directly into our livingroom.

                                Heavy drapes on the north windows in the winter…great insulators!

                                #21443
                                imported_Eve
                                Participant

                                  During the winter I use the clothes dryer, but I set a timer for it. I have found my dryers “normal” run time is an hour, but most things are completly dry within 35 mins. A load of jeans or other heavy things of course takes a full run.

                                Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 25 total)
                                • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.