July 19th, 2010
Replace all of your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. They last at least 10 times longer than conventional bulbs and also save up to $60 in electricity per bulb over time.
Appliances consume 40 percent of their energy when they are shut off. The purchase of a smart power strip can go a long way towards alleviating this waste of electricity. These strips cut off power to appliances when they are turned off. They cost $30 or $40, but will pay for themselves in a few months.
If you have a water heater that was built before 2004, cover it with a Thermwell insulating blanket. This should lower your water heating bill by about 10 percent per year. And you can save another 10 percent on your heating bill if you have your furnace serviced about every two years.
You can lower your heating bill by another 5 percent just by lowering the thermostat by a single degree during the winter. But you can save more by installing a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature when you’re gone or asleep. Using the moisture sensor on your dryer and cold water in the washer will also trim your energy bill.
Putting weatherstripping around your door frames should save you about $30 per year and installing timers on your lights is also cost effective over time. Try a low-flow shower head in your bathtub to reduce water output and plug those leaky faucets! Retrofitting your faucets is also a good idea. These inexpensive gadgets can reduce your water flow from 3 to 4 gallons per minute to as little as a half gallon.
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July 18th, 2010
18. Place bookcases, linen cabinets, and large furniture pieces against exterior walls when possible for added insulation from outside temperatures. Place them against shared interior walls for added sound insulation.
19. Compact fluorescent bulbs remain popular due to their efficiency, and are now available in complementary light tones ranging from daylight to soft white. They use a fraction of the energy and last multiple lifetimes compared to standard bulbs. Check for store sales, especially around Earth Day, for special buys and multi-packs.
20. Install light dimmers- either plug-in or replacement switches, and place all your electronic equipment and small appliances on power strips. Turn them off when not in use and every night before bedtime.
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July 17th, 2010
15. Can you supplement your heating or a/c efficiency by adding ceiling or wall-mount fans? Sufficient air movement can reduce your reliance on the thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. That lowers utility costs. If you live in a humid climate, an inexpensive dehumidifier can lower interior temps in the summer.
16. The next time you clean or replace window coverings, consider cotton-blend thermal panels. Most discount and even dollar stores sell them very inexpensively. Keep them closed during summer days to help cool your interior and winter nights to insulate from the cold. An added benefit is that they can also be room-darkening. So family movie night at home can become a regular date, saving hundreds a year on theater visits.
17. Check and repair or replace caulking around windows and doors and consider the thin foam insulators for under your outlets and switchplates. Use steel wool to fill small holes under your sinks and around your pipes to block air leaks and rodents.
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July 16th, 2010
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Here is part 5 of Mishka’s Moneysavers for you to enjoy!
12. Clean vents and replace filters often for better efficiency and utility cost savings. Check furnace and a/c filters, and replace every 3 months or more often if necessary. Clean refrigerator coils and dryer vents on a monthly basis, more often if you have house pets. Again, properly maintaining high cost items extends their lives and your checkbook and can reduce or eliminate repair and service costs.
13. If you have your own washer and dryer, get in the habit of doing one complete load of laundry each day- wash, dry, fold, put away. You won’t be stuck with a stressful, unmanageable pile at the end of every week for a full-day laundry marathon. It’s less stressful on you and your family, and extends the lives of your washer and dryer.
14. Better still, air dry your clothes on a clothes line, drying rack or drying carousel hanging from the shower rod. You can still throw them in the dryer on air fluff when they are only slightly damp to remove lint and wrinkles. You’ll reduce the temperature in your home in the summer, use your dryer less, and extend the life and condition of your clothes.
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July 13th, 2010
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More in the continuing series of helpful saving and organizing advice from Mishka!
3. Check out your large appliances- can your utility bills benefit from a more energy efficient refrigerator or washing machine? Can you take advantage of rebates or tax credits in your area to replace either? Or are there simple cosmetic touch-ups to make them look like new? Most home centers and hardware stores have inexpensive cans of high-heat appliance paint. Or get creative and prime and paint the front of an older fridge with chalkboard paint to use as your family’s monthly calendar to keep track of everyone’s schedules and appointments. The obvious reminder can save you money if your doctor, dentist or veterinarian has a fee policy for missed appointments.
4. Take stock of small appliances, too. Do you really need and actually use both the toaster and the toaster oven? the blender and the food processor? the hand-held mixer and stand mixer? coffee-maker and coffee press? or do they just take up space on your counters or in your cabinets? If they are in good working order, then sell, trade or barter online through free sites for cash or something you could really use.
5. Remove the clutter from your environment completely- don’t just store it to create more stress later. If you don’t love it or use it, don’t keep it. Even if someone you love gave it to you. If they love you enough to give you a gift, they love you enough to want you to be happy. So be ruthless for your own happiness- create your donate or sell stacks, then donate or sell the stuff. Many donations are tax deductible. Sold items can help pay down high interest credit cards, add cash to your emergency fund or start a savings plan. If something isn’t in good enough condition to donate or sell, throw it away! Why are you letting useless items clutter up your home sanctuary anyway?
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