Saturday, June 18, 2011

Saving Money on Utilities

I was delighted this month to see a nice negative balance on my electric bill.  I must explain that I am on the budget plan.  You know, they figure your prior usage and estimate what it will be and average it out.  Six months ago I got a nice reduction in my monthly bill, with the message they would reevaluate in six months. Obviously, they did not reduce it enough because I got a refund, and now they will be reducing my monthly again.  Let me tell you how I did it.
I have a solar water heater, and a solar attic fan.  I also use ceiling fans in every room, and keep my thermostat set on 76.  I do not use the dry feature on the dish washer. I also have a clothes drying line outside, which I too often ignore and run the clothes dryer, but if I remembered and took the time to use it, how good would it be?

 Now, I must confess that two years ago, I spent a lot of money on this system.  My husband really got upset when the hot water ran out in the middle of his shower, and we wasted a lot of water letting it run till it warmed up.  I have not regretted the expenditure, because we immediately got the benefit of the convenience and comfort of the hot water.  The attic fan makes a lot of difference in the efficiency of the air conditioner also. 

I am now considering adding a lot of other things to my solar system, but this time I will build my own panels. If you ride by and wonder what I'm doing on my deck, check it out!  While I'm learning I might be able to teach you something!  Or just order the book and do one yourself.

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