Use Warm Oven to Dry Pots and PansWhen you have used your oven for cooking or baking and have pots and pans that have to be hand washed, place them upside down on the rack in the warm oven to dry. Do not forget to remove them before you preheat the oven.
Use Car Shades In Sunny WindowsI like looking outside my kitchen door/window, but I don't like the sun adding to the heat of my room in the summer. I found rear car shades that have suction cups on them. These are an inexpensive way to keep out the sun and still be able to see outside.
Tennis Balls in Dryer Reduce Drying TimeSave money on your utility bill by adding a couple of tennis balls to your dryer. It will reduce drying time down 25 to 50%.
Turn Off Video Games to Save EnergyVideo game consoles use a lot of energy, and they waste a lot of energy when not being used. You will save 75% of that energy, if you turn them off when they're not being used.
Insulate Windows With Bubble-wrap Year RoundInstead of expensive window insulation kits that are hard to install and can be used only one year, try this: buy bubble wrap. Cut it to fit each window.
Put Timer on Water HeaterWhy heat your water for 24 hours? Just install a Hot water heater timer purchased from Lowes. Set the timer for 1 hour before rising in the morning.
Turn Hot Water Heater Off When LeavingIf you have an electric water heater, after taking your night-time showers or washing your dishes, whichever comes last, shut off your water heater. I flip the breaker that controls only the water heater. Turn it back on in the morning.
Place Line Dried Clothes In The Dryer To Soften UpTo save on utilities and clothes softener, I line dry many clothes in the house then put them in the dryer on air fluff. It's amazing how soft they become.
Use Heat Pump to Power Water HeaterMy husband and I recycle and compost. We have some big concerns about filling up land fills and until someone starts an energy producing plant using the waste we produce, this is our way of trying to help.
Winter Warmth TipsI have several things I do to keep myself and my pets warm in the winter without getting heating bills through the roof!
Allow Your Dishwasher to Air DryTo save energy costs, I fire off that sucker just an hour before bed time, then when it's done washing, I crack it open and let it air dry. If you are picky, picky, this will not eliminate all of the water spots, but your dishes will be clean!
Saving Energy By Air Drying LaundryHang your wet laundry on a drying rack until it is about half or more than half dry and then finish it in the dryer. The machine will last longer and you will save tons of electricity.
Plant Shade Trees to Conserve EnergyI have a large shade tree on the south side of my property that keeps the summer sun off of my mobile home. This shade tree makes such a big difference that I rarely need air conditioning. It's a large cedar, but any fast growing tree will work.
Use an Indoor Clothes LineI live in Tennessee where TVA, our electric supplier, has raised our electric bills 30% in one month. I have started really trying to be more frugal. I purchased a indoor clothes line and strung it up in my basement.
Use Ceiling Fan Year RoundBy setting your room ceiling fan on its lowest setting and using year round for heat or air conditioner, you can help lower the cost of your electricity bill. Remember to reverse the switch on the ceiling fans adjustments.
Unplug It And Save On Electric BillsIn Florida, electric bills run high, particularly in the summer. I save on my electric bill in two ways:
Defrost Food in the RefrigeratorWhen defrosting any frozen item, I put the it in the fridge a few days before I will need it. I do this instead of using my microwave on defrost. This cools off the inside temperature of the fridge, and means less energy is used to run it.
Change Your HVAC Filter MonthlyThe best thing you can do to reduce your cooling costs and protect your HVAC system is change your filter monthly. A dirty filter increases the energy needed to cool air, and it can damage equipment. Make it a point to change the filter when the month changes.
Set Your Dishwasher To Rinse With Cold WaterHere is how I use my 10-year-old-three-cycle dishwasher, so it doesn't "cook" the food in the plates. First, I must say that I never rinse any of my dishes; I put all of them right away in the dishwasher.
Open Bathroom Door to Clear Shower SteamIn colder climates, instead of using the exhaust fan to clear the steam after a shower, open your bathroom door. The rest of the house can benefit from the moisture and heat the steam, and you will not be not sucking heat out of your home via the fan.
Candlelight NightI was reading through advice about electrical power outages and what to do. Guess what, sometimes on purpose, we turn off all the electricity and do everything by candlelight, especially when the grandkids are here. It is a fun evening for everyone.
Center Prop for a Sagging ClotheslineTo create a clothesline prop pole, I found two old metal poles that were previously used for a canopy over an outside swing. The poles fit together perfectly.
Insulate Your Water HeaterThe water heater is the second biggest energy user in your home. Help it maintain the correct water temperature by adding extra insulation around the outside of the tank.
Buying Compact Fluorescent BulbsWhen buying Compact Fluorescent Bulbs, look for brands with the Energy Star label. Those are rated to last long and use less energy than "cheaper" bulbs without the logo.
Earth Friendly LaundryI just read this on "Earth Easy", great tips:
Extra Spin Cycle Helps DryingI always run the extra spin cycle on my washing machine while I'm unloading the dryer. This helps get even more water out of your clothes before drying them.
Energy Saving Window CoversEnergy Saving Window Covers. To save on high gas bills, I replaced the curtains on the Northwest side of my home with black 3 mil paper. The paper absorbs the heat from the sun and prevents the leaking of warm air inside to the outside. . .
Use Toaster Oven For MealsTo save money on your power bill - use a toaster/convection oven to cook your meals and for your baking whenever possible. Mine will hold an 8x8 pan and has two racks.
Energy Saving TipsTips to help you save on heating, appliances, water and electricity.