Ah, March Break. I am a little excited to go out and explore with the daughter but also afraid of the holiday crowds and manic children. Tomorrow, we will hit up the art museum and deal-hunt in the big city. I can feel the end of winter trying to shake itself off and it teased us the other morning with the bright blue sky and clear sunshine. However, we are back to the grey and my mood took a big hit with the palate change. I found myself discouraged with everything. I had to reframe and reconnect to what is important and I wanted to share that : I'm not in this blogger/Facebook couponing world to score friends or follower rather I find this sort of journaling and connecting a great way to track my journey of saving and to continue to convince myself of its benefits. Hopefully along the way I may encourage someone else too.
So, past all the whino-babbling, Money Monday's topic is saving money on your Utility Bills
There are several advantages to lowering your Utility usage:
1) You save money
2) You conserve energy
3) You help the planet
4) You WILL feel good about yourself
Keep track of how many of the following you currently do. On the sidebar, when you are done reading, you can answer the poll as to how many you are implementing at present.
Ways to Save a Buck or Two: Utilities
1. Install a programmable thermostat.
2. Insulate your attic, hot water tank and hot water pipes.
3. Don't turn on the heat/air conditioning until you absolutely need too.
4. Use white curtains/blinds to reflect heat away from you home in the summer.
5. Use a de-humidifier to reduce moisture in your home making it feel cooler.
6. Use ceiling fans, floor fans and space heaters.
7. Close vents in rooms you are not using.
8. Open windows for fresh air and cool breezes.
9. Caulk around doors, windows, baseboards and use weather stripping where necessary.
10. Install storm doors and windows.
11. Turn off the lights in rooms you are no longer using.
12. Install CFL light bulbs.
13. Install energy-efficient appliances: freezers, stove, refridgerator, dishwasher, dryer, washer.
14. Unplug appliances not in use.
15. Install low-flow toilets and low-flow shower heads.
16. Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
17. Take 5 minute showers.
18. Use your washing machine, dryer and dishwasher at non-peak hours (Ontario Hydro)
19. Always use cold water when you run the washing machine.
20. Only run full loads (washer/dryer/dishwasher)
21. Clean out the lint trap in your dryer.
22. Line-dry your clothing.
23. Wear clothing twice before washing, unless they are stained or very dirty.
24. Wash hoodies, sweaters, bedsheets and towels once a month unless they are very dirty.
25. Fill empty spots in your fridge and freezer with jugs of water. This saves on operating costs.
26. Clean refrigerator coils a few times per year.
27. Air dry your dishes.
28. Use a slow cooker or toaster oven.
29. Cook in batches. Only use the oven once per day or less.
29. Turn the oven off during the last few minutes of cooking - residual heat will finish the job.
30. In the winter, when finished cooking, leave the oven door cracked to heat the house (DO NOT do this if you have small children.
31. Use power strips and or timers for plugs, use timers for sprinklers, outdoor/Christmas lights.
Remember, learning to do these things is a process. I usually try to practice a new idea (say number 24) for a month or two before I try to tackle another one.
Do you have more ideas about saving on Utilities? Please comment below, enter your # in the sidebar Poll and happy savings!
