Tips on Frugal Living

[DeniseD]

It's kind of funny - this revamping stuff. I actually live in a city with it's own power plant. It predates computers, in fact, our same power plant has been in operation since the late 1800's and is coal driven.

When the whole eastern seaboard's power went down, we would have been back up and running within 6 hours, except the power jump generator that came in from Chicago had a malfunctioning gauge...so, we had to wait for a new gauge. Once started, we gave Detroit Edison a jump start.

[kimshaw1106]

when we had an ice storm alot of towns were without power for up to and over 1 week..we all just got our bills and the amount was sky high...they guestimated the bills and it is unreal...hopefully they will fix this...

[cboyer]

ya know one of these days those monopoly's are going to be in the same position as the phone company is now.....begging for customers b/c there will be alternatives...........they are the way they are b/c we have no choice....I only hope to live that long.........

[julieduck]

I would love to go solar. I think it will be more affordable very soon.

[livingfree]

Can I hang out with you ameeker? You are amazing. I consider myself pretty frugal and I do a lot of those things, but I bet even I could learn a lot from you. Thanks for your post.

[psclark@comcast.net]

DH and I got rid of our land line and are just using our cell phones. We also got rid of cable TV. Instead, we watch programs on [[URL="http://www.hulu.com"].

[vagabond2]

well I've made a start with my light bulbs! GE CFL cpn for $1.50 off 2 and Albertson's had the bulbs on sale for $2.49 each........

[jjbohman]

I've started making my own laundry detergent, super easy and cheap! Each load cost about one cent in detergent. Two of the same three ingredients can be used to run your dishwasher as well and does a good job! Also, use what our grandmothers used to clean with, vinegar and water to mop with, etc.

[LeighBo]

Originally Posted by vagabond2

Last night at Bible Study we had a new member join us. Turns out he is a (I forgot the title) person who comes in and does an evaluation of your household and its energy needs (for $300) So after BS we stood around for over an hour as he gave us all some conservation tips.

Today, I will be going out to purchase one of the hot water heater timers. He said this was a major energy drainer. 40%

Next, do not change the thermostat (it should be a digital for the best savings!) more than 3 degrees any way or it trips something which makes it use a lot more electricity. Another major energy drainer!

Use ceiling fans........both summer and winter.....it makes 2 degree difference and costs pennies.

Unplug for sure: If you can't unplug (like my computer) put on a strip and when you go to bed or out turn it off with the strip.........1 pull of electricity vs 9 invidual for me

change to the cfl bulbs.....he said original light bulbs were meant as an extra source of heat

Also, stagger powering up in the am (or any other time) and avoid the initial spike which adds $$$$ to your elec bill

I wasn't taking notes and it was 10 pm but you can bet I'll be asking more questions the next opportunity I get.

How much does the timer cost and where can you get one at?

[kllydnvn]

I've been told here in VA, Dominion VA power will put them on at no cost. All you have to do is call. It would be worth a try. My in-laws have it and they say it has saved them about $5 a month