This is a continuation of my "Working Poor Survival Tips" series. The following money-saving proposal will really be a big challenge for some, I realize, but we can not afford to leave any stones unturned. I want you to go off / C. Yes, that's what I said. Your air conditioning. If you have a balcony or patio doors, you can crack any door or window slightly - just enough to let some natural light in, but not enough to heat the place - pull all the blinds and curtains closed, but do not cover a small area that remained open. I do not want you having to turn on any lights. That would defeat the purpose of this money-saving exercise. If you do this first thing every morning while the air is still a bit cold outside, and keep blinds and curtains closed for the most part, you'll be amazed as the day progresses. It will stay cool inside. You May also add overhead fan or box fan in the room where you are and that's it. Trust me. I live in south Florida, where summer is very hot, and this method works for me. I'd go with a box fan, if you have, because you can play for pennies a day. My place even feel great when I come back from being out there, and that's when I had a / c on all day! I've even gotten to the point where I do not use any fan during the day. I'm completely comfortable Also, be sure that your / C filter is always clean, which will mitigate any additional energy drain from him.
Once the sun begins to set, or about the time you're going to start cooking dinner, close all windows and turn on / C. I do not turn it way down to make up for lost time. Just go back to "on" position, and keep it at the temperature you had it on earlier. However, I want you to start trying to turn it around 1 degree every week until you get to about 4 degrees warmer than its usual setting, and keep it there. I also then want you to start using the box fan in your bedroom at night to compensate for higher temperatures in your home. You should have 3 settings on it, even if you could get an oscillating fan, if you want. You'll be amazed. . . to very small differences in temperature in your home and the very large differences in energy use and utility bills. Then, in the morning, whenever I think about it, but definitely before you leave for work - if you are working or going anywhere in a long time - turn off the air conditioning again. You must be in accordance with these to see the difference in your utility bill. That is why I recommend doing it at the same time each day, preferably first thing in the morning. To work in the morning also allows for some cooler air outside.
My next proposal to save money on your utility bills the next time you see a 4-pack of energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (they look like coils, if you're not familiar with them), get them if you can afford the extra $ 10 or so they will buy them. Replace the bulb in your favorite lamp beside the bed on the nightstand (lamp is unplugged and turned off, as you're reading this, right?). Replace light bulbs in your bathroom, and any lighting. If you just can not afford to replace the lamp 4 at the same time, please just do it, and continue to replace the bulbs as you can.
Did you know that you run your water heater typically accounts for 13% of your utility bill? You can also lower the temperature of your water heater. Do it right now. 120 degrees is usually a good hot water setting for most uses, however, I recommend working on reducing that number even more as time passes. sooner the better.
Also, did you know that the average shower uses about 20 gallons of water every time? Some of us have been known to exceed that as well. Here is another opportunity to save on the cost of hot water. You will also save the life of your water heater. Before stepping into the shower, turn on cold water first in a medium pressure stream and then add to hot until it becomes comfortable. Think clean - - using the shampoo, soap and water to clean hair and body. It should not be a sauna, and quite frankly, I can not find a more warm shower is, the more we tend to linger. Prolonged is exactly what we do not need right now. Shampoo and soap and rinse. I repeat, if you must, but then rinse just to get the soap off and then get out of the shower. You're done! I'm also working to further turn down hot water as I go along in my daily shower. It did not hurt me either, but it also has saved me some money. Men - - - please consider putting shaving cream on your face and using the bathroom sink and mirror before you get in the shower, and ladies can do the same for your legs also. Do this before. This will reduce your shower time - and wastewater -. down to a minimum
So, that's it for now. "This is ?!" You May be wondering sarcastically. Trust me. If you take my advice here, and you get into a routine, you will find that it is much easier than you think.
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