Reaffirming My Frugal Resolve!

**graci42** · 07-28-2004, 10:12 PM

Every now and again, I fall of the frugal band wagon. Well...this time I did it hard.

My husband wondered why the electric bill was about $20.00 more than last month...Well, it could be cause I've run the vacuum every day and used the dryer rather than hung my laundry. Oh and of course the kids have been vegging in front of the TV more...they haven't stuck to the schedule and I am not always home to inforce the rules.

I need to start keeping a journal and track the savings! Add to that the fans circulating the air on the hot days....tends to bump it up a bit.

I just need to get back on track! Talk soon!

**Missy** · 07-28-2004, 11:15 PM

We haven't gotten our bill yet...and that is a GOOD thing. LOL I am scared. I know it will be higher. I had to bump on the heat a few times this past month...thanks to a few days below 50 in the morning and some chilly rainy days. I know we will be looking at a higher bill.

**Dixie** · 07-29-2004, 12:20 AM

The good news is- our electric bill was $30 less this month than last. The bad news is- our washer was hit with an electrical surge and we had to use the laundromat for two weeks, it's total cost? $35.

**AmyBoz** · 07-29-2004, 08:58 AM

Graci, Maybe it's the month of July that causes frugal backslides. We've been eating out a lot lately. Granted, it's because we're between two homes right now, but still, I know I could be whipping up a little something for MUCH cheaper than it costs to feed us at Wendy's. I'm with you on reaffirming that resolve!

**homesteadmamma** · 07-29-2004, 09:08 AM

Amy I think your right. I always find July is a bad month for us too. We haven't been as faithful as we normally are this past month. To top that off, our electric company just got a 5% rate increase effective this Sun. so we need to hike up our frugality more.

Graci I'm with you on reaffirming my frugal resolve as well.

**canadian gardener** · 07-29-2004, 11:16 AM

graci don't feel bad, it happens here too.

BTW, of all what you mention, its the dryer that is the worst.

The vacuum doesn't actually use a lot unless it's on for hours, and the fans are really minimal users.

TV is medium on the list.

**canadian gardener** · 07-29-2004, 11:35 AM

heres some help to figure out what to cut back first so you don't cut the fan off and have crabby hot kids needing more tv to keep calm.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/question272.htm

I'm trying to get a pdf link in here but it's not working. Here is the link http://www.powerhousetv.com/stellent...htv_000296.pdf

click in the pdf document, it's only 3 pages and has the best breakdown of costs per appliance I've seen yet. using 8 cents a KWH.

The fan is costing you 96 cents a month to run according to that chart, for 60 hours of use (2 hours per day but you can multiply it out)

The dryer on the other hand is costing you 12$ a month for 30 hours of drying or an hour a day but I've seen other figures up to a dollar per dryer session.

The TV is between 58 cents a month to 2$ a month for a 13 inch to 36 inch models and the chart assumes it's on for 120 hours a month.

The vacuum cost you 19 cents a month for 4 hours over the month, so about 5 cents an hour to run.

**canadian gardener** · 07-29-2004, 11:43 AM

OK another thought here, if your fridge is sitting in the sunlight or in a hot place, it will be running harder, ditto if the coils are dusty.

If you have a freezr in a hot place like the garage, it could be sucking a lot to keep cool too.

**canadian gardener** · 07-29-2004, 11:53 AM

Heres another site, this time it's the company dh works for, with a calculator to help you individualize your energy useage with breakdowns and recommedations.

https://ewb.bchydro.com/hea/

and just your appliances, the appliance calculator
https://ewb.bchydro.com/appcalc/pg1.asp?id=0

**guest2** · 07-29-2004, 12:41 PM

Wow Margery, thanks for all the links! Graci, I'm with you. My kids have been using the TV quite a bit and Mommy is on the warpath about it!

**graci42** · 07-29-2004, 01:23 PM

Thanks everyone! THANKS Margery!!! BIG HUGS!!

I need to crack down...just think what it would be if I hadn't been so pc burnt out...giggle...

I'll check the site you mentioned Margery. I've got to start thinking like I am broke...What would I do if I had NO money? Think broke...Think broke...Think broke...that way I won't be...hehehehehehe!

Sheeeeesh...after the dental bill I just paid...ds had to have a crowned baby tooth pulled due to infection...I AM BROKE!!!!

**graci42** · 07-29-2004, 01:31 PM

Had an additional thought...I'm in the States not bc...how much of a difference is there twixt your's and mine???

**canadian gardener** · 07-29-2004, 04:32 PM

In this case the dollar makes no difference since it's an expression of value per Kwh and BCHydro is about average for the price per Kwh over all North America.

In other words the avg is 8 cents per Kwh or was a few yrs back, I'd have to check the site and while the dollar is different it is still 8 cents per Kwh where most of North America lives.

Up to 10 and downwards to 6 cents, and in some places like California, really expensive

But if you can figure it out for your area, then just divide by 8 to get the per cent figure and multiply by the cents a Kwh costs in your area.

LOL hope that makes cents????

**pip** · 07-30-2004, 03:33 PM

We have to get back on track, soon, too. Too much fast food pick ups and extra calls on the cell phone and too many lights and TV on these days. Oh, my.