Other Cost Saving Ideas?

[keithsm2]

I was just wondering ( since everyone here probably tries to save all money in all kinds of ways ) what other ways are you trying to save money?

 

Im mainly interested in solar or wind power type ideas...... I have installed two solar powered attic vents ( from costco ) they work very nicely and have reduced my summer electric bill by about 100 dollars a month.

 

I was also thinking about getting something to seal up the entry ( drop down stairs ) into the attic. I imagine a lot of air is going through that area.....

 

so what do you do??

[kuzzi]

Extra attic insulation, window solar screens, door seals, blocked air vents in rooms that aren't being used on a regular basis, programmable thermostat.

 

Attic vents are next on my list of heat reduction, but I had a situation with a roof leak last year so I'm wary about putting potential leak paths on my roof. How did you install your vents?

[keithsm2]

I had the vents installed by someone else....I just cant imagine working on the roof and expecting it to not leak myself....... If you already have vents there.....it is probably pretty simple.... Oh ya....I got the nest too..... I like being able to put it in the away mode while not home.....( but i hate watching the wife and step daughters at the back door with it wide open for Minutes at a time......all the cost saving efforts down the drain in a hurry!

[kuzzi]

I've been lucky enough to be able to keep my electricity bills <$125 in summer and around $50 in winter for a 2005 built 2300 sq ft single story home in Houston.

 

I already have ridge vents and a ton of insulation so I don't know if I can recoup the cost of installing these fans.

[keithsm2]

ya...thats great!!! Our electric bill was over 400 for 3 months in a row....and almost 500 one of those.....so..we have a lot of room for improvement.....its about a 3200 foot two story.....and the upper just wont stay cool.......one room is over the garage and the garage is roasting ...along with the attic.....so..the ac just cannot keep up!!! I hate it....Next house will be foam insulated!

[acdii]

I have kids, hard to save money when the little rats leave the lights on. Even making them do the light switch drill by running up and down stairs flipping switches isnt helping. Been contemplating getting rid of 2 refrigerators for one newer one that is more energy efficient, but cant justify the costs yet with the unknown variables of just how much savings it will be in electricity. Our bills are between $200 and $300 a month year round. Of course having 6-8 line heaters and tank heaters going during the winter doesnt help, but need to have them so the horses have water in the winter. We upgraded our central HVAC two years ago to the most efficient one available, so that did help a little.

 

If I knew how much in savings getting a new fridge would be, that would make it much easier.