Tips for around the house.........

[Mom23boys]

Vines on the southern and western walls cut the summer heat.



Turbines on the roof let out summer heat. Cover them in winter.



Insulating the attic pays for itself in 3- 4 years, insulating the walls does in l0 years.



Turn down the temperature on the water heater. Insulating the tank saves $55/yr. Insulate the pipes.



Instant water heaters claim to save 20-50% on gas.



Carpet and padding cut down on heat loss.



To the south of the house, plant trees which lose their leaves in winter and shade the house in summer.



If repainting, chose white - it doesn't fade. Buying an airless sprayer for jobs like this can pay for itself in the long run.



Buy a carpet machine for rugs, furniture, and car upholstery rather than renting one every year.



Turn off the furnace pilot light over the summer.



Hook up the washer only to cold water. This saves 90% of the cost of washing. Wash only full loads.



Dry only full, consecutive loads. Keep filters clean.



Low-flow shower heads claim to save families up to $250/yr.



Turn down the water pressure for bathroom and kitchen faucets.



Close shades and drapes to keep heat in in winter and the sun out in summer.



Mount air conditioner in the shade and wind. Close off rooms not being used.

Use rechargeable batteries and a battery checker.

[homesteadmamma]

I agree with everything, except the insulating the walls. We've done all our walls, except the m/bedroom and it cost us just under $1,000 doing it all ourselves. Last year, we cut our heating bills in half, to the tune of saving almost $100 per month for 6 months.

This year our furnace is on even less (and its been colder sooner), so I know our heating bill is going to be even less than last year.

So our initial investment will be paid off probably in about 2 1/2 years.

Great points to look at though for saving money.

[simplemom]

Thanks Michelle!