Frugal Utility Tips

Attics

Keep your attic cool, and your whole house will stay cooler. One options is to install attic fans. They will cool down your attic, and reduce the temperature in your home significantly. You should also have vents in your attic to let out the air.

Awnings

If you live in a hot climate, and have windows on the west side of your home, consider installing awnings over the windows. You will use the rooms more, and they will pay for themselves over time.

Cooking

In the summer we barbecue a lot to keep the temperature down in our homes. However, there is another option. Most of us love our slow cookers. We also have power in our garages. Think about making a feel meals in the slow cooker in the garage. If your garage is attached to your home, it won't be difficult- and with the lid on all the food should be protected.

Dimmer Switches

If you are handy, it is an easy job to install a dimmer switch to operate some of your lights. They save electricity and prolong the life of your light bulbs.

Dryers

Your dryer uses a lot of energy, and runs up your electric bill. To shorten drying time, be sure and keep the lint screen clean. Wash your filter with soap and water on a regular basis to make sure it is totally clear. You may also want to buy one of the flexible brushes that will go down through the lint screen, and catch lint further down in the vent. This can be a fire hazard, and you just can't see it. Your dryer should be vented to the outside, and not under the house. You can check to make sure air is coming out when it is running, but there could still be built up lent.

Ducts

If you have heat that comes up ducts in the floor, be sure and use a flashlight and see if there are gaps between the ducts and under your house. Not only do you lose heat, but insects will come up from under your home. This is easily fixed with spray foam and silicone.

Evaporative Coolers

If high humidity is a problem in your area, and you don't want to run an air conditioner, think about using an evaporative cooler.. Air always feels cooler when it is less humid. Evaporative coolers, also known as "swamp coolers" work by running cold water over air, and then circulating it through your home or room. They do a good job of keep your home cool, unless it is humid outside.

Freezers

Last year we purchased a freezer that was not frost free because of the energy savings.  I was worried that it would be high maintenance, but the ice does not build up quickly, and we have yet to manually defrost it.

LED Lights

I've heard it said the 40% of the electricity you use in your homes is from items that are not even turned on. That seems high to me....but if you truly want to save money on your electric bill, unplug everything with an LED light (that is in standby mode) until you use it.

Letting Clothes Sit

Another way to reduce the amount of time your dryer needs to dry your clothes is to always give your clothes an extra spin in the washing machine before you dry them. I always let my towels sit over night in the washing machine before I dry them. They are still damp in the morning, and it takes much less time to dry them.

Lights and Motion Detectors

If you get tired of telling everyone to turn off the lights when they leave a room, install motion detector light switches. They will pay for themselves in a short time, and your family life will be more harmonious. Another option- use florescent bulbs and just leave the lights on. The bulbs are most expensive, but last 4 times as longer and are meant to be left on for long periods of time so they don't break.

Stoves

If you have an electric stove, you know that it remains hot for several minutes after you turn off the burners. Most of us turn the heat off before the last few minutes of cooking time. Another way to cut cooking time is to use dark pans of substantial weight. Anything dark absorbs heat better, and the same is true with pans. The dark color in the pan will warm it up quicker and start the cooking process faster. Also, always be sure to match the size of the burner to the pan you are using.

Consider installing timers on your bathroom lights. Children are not very good turning off lights.  Free yourself up from having to run around turning off lights after family members, and when you have company.  This is particularly convenient when you have a bathroom upstairs.

Upgrading Your Machines

If you have the money...the new washing machines are very energy efficient. The washing machines spin so fast that the clothing is very dry and requires much less time in the dryer.

Don't forget to thoroughly clean your furnace before winter. A well maintained furnace operates at peak efficiency, and can cut your heating bill by as much as 10 percent. Change your filter every 3 months, and have a professional inspect your furnace every few years for safety and efficiency.

Landscaping

Improve your heating bill with landscaping. If you have trees on the southern side of your home, they should be deciduous. The leaves should come off in the winter to let in the sun, and be on it to shade your home during the hot summer months. Take down a tree, move one, or plant a new one. Think of the future, and make changes now that you will appreciate in the years to come.

Light Bulbs

 If you have a newer home, you probably have a lot of recessed lighting. These bulbs are expensive, and there are probably many more than you need. Leaving some in that are burned out. If you still have adequate lighting, keep it that way.

Windows

If you have a window on the southern side of your home, it lets in enough light and heat to keep the room warm on a mild winter day without the furnace. Take advantage of rooms that have a southern exposure. Keep the drapes open, and let the sun work for you.
 

Calling Cards

When money is extremely tight, just drop your long distance all together and use phone cards. You may also be able to get rid of all the taxes and fees that go with long distance carriers- depending on the State or county where you reside.

Cell Phone Chargers

Many people have dropped their land lines, and only use cell phones to save money. However, others are afraid to do it because they are afraid if they lose power in their homes, their cell phones will not charge and they will lose their phones. There is a simple remedy for this. Buy an emergency cell phone charger. They are not expensive, and many models can also charge flashlights and radios.

Cell Phone Protection

Here's a recycling tip for those who wear glass and carry cell phones. Most of us keep the last couple of pairs of glasses we've owned for emergencies. However, the older ones we finally let go. Toss the glasses, (or turn them over to charity) but keep the case. It should be firm enough, or well cushioned, and do a good job of protecting your cell phone in your purse.

Finding Phone Numbers

Save the cost of directory assistance by using your computer. If you need a phone number, just Google it. It is quick, easy, and free.

Modem Lines

Do you have a phone line that you use exclusively for your computer? Be sure and call your phone company and see if they will take the long distance off that line. You may be able to save fees and taxes for a service you are not using.

VOIP Technology

 If you don't want to use a cell phone, one of the most inexpensive ways to make long distance calls is to use VOIP technology - Voice over Internet Protocol. There are several companies that offer this service.

Write it Down

Here's a tip to save a little money when you make a long distance phone call. Always write down ahead of time the things you want to discuss. When you are talking you might get distracted, and will forget all the things you wanted to say. You will waste a lot of time trying to remember what they were.

Trash Collection

Many disposal companies offer different rates depending on the size or your trash can. Be sure and call and ask. Compress your items before you throw them away, or use a compactor to save money. This isn't an option for all people, but you can save money by disposing of your own trash. If you have a truck and can easily access a facility or place to take it, you might think about it. If you don't have a lot of trash, you can even take your trash to a friend/neighbor/relative's house, perhaps sharing the expense.
 

Brushing Teeth and Showers

Approximately 14 percent of our energy bill comes from heating our water. If we turn off the tap water while brushing our teeth, and install low flow shower heads, we can save as much as 30 percent on our hot water consumption.

The biggest expense in running your dishwasher (80%), is the money that it takes to heat the water. Most dishwashers use the same amount of water, no matter how many items you put in them. Make the most of your money by always running your dishwasher as full as possible.

Water Heaters

No one needs their water heater set higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Tap water at 156 degrees can cause third degree burns to your skin in only one second. For each 10 degrees Fahrenheit reduction in temperature, you'll save 3-5 percent in heating costs. Be safe, and save money.

Water Heater Blankets

Save money heating water by putting a water heater blanket around your water heater if it is an old model. Going without a blanket around your water heater is like not having any insulation in your exterior walls. The money you will save from insulating your water heater will more than make up for the cost of the blanket in just a short time.  If you have a newer unit, they are already insulated on the inside. 

Water Heater Maintenance

Be sure and drain the sediment out from the bottom of your water heater once a year. Your water heater will last longer, and run more efficiently. Just turn off the power to the water heater, and open the valve at the bottom of the heater to let out the water and particles from the bottom of the tank. Attach a hose to the drain valve and let the water drain out in your yard. One word of caution- the water that comes out will be hot. Be careful not to scald yourself.

Water Valves