CuttingCosts101.com – Learn How to Save Money!

Peak Saver is a new program that Hydro One has implemented in order to save electricity costs during peak usage times in the summer months.  They come to your house and install a new programmable thermostat that you can control from anywhere that has internet access.  By signing up, Hydro One is allowed to communicate with your thermostat and raise your setpoint by 2 degrees for up to 4 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).  This helps the reliability of the hydro service as well as help to keep prices the way they are.

Here are some benefits of signing up:

- You will help to preserve energy for future generations

- Enjoy up to 10% energy costs savings with your new thermostat

- Get a one-time $25 credit on your hydro bill

- Get a free programable thermostat professionally installed.

- Have the convenience of changing your home temperature from anywhere there’s internet access.

To be eligible you must have a central air conditioning unit in working condition, live in a single family home or townhouse, and be the homeowner or have the homeowner’s permission to participate.

To sign up you can call 1-866-380-6051 or visit hydro one’s website: www.HydroOne.com/peaksaver

With energy costs on the rise and global warming changing climates across the globe, more people are looking towards renewable sources of energy to reduce their carbon footprint and more importantly save themselves some coin!  However, even the most eager and environmentally passionate person cannot pursue such endeavors because of the cost of setting up a renewable energy source.  The professional installation of a solar energy system can cost in the thousands, so many resourceful individuals are turning to resources that can help you build your own solar panel.

It is possible to completely build your own solar panel, but for the most part, these panels are small and don’t produce the wattage necessary to power more than a lamp….and only for a couple of minutes at that!  The most effective way to produce power from the sun, when you can’t afford to hire the professionals, would be with a solar panel kit.  These build your own solar panel kits come with everything you need to successfully build your own solar panel in the comfort of your living room, or the garage may be a wiser choice.

Surprisingly, build your own solar panel kits are not difficult to find.  With large companies like GE producing these kits, the build your own solar panel sets are very affordable and offer quicker return on your investment than purchasing and professionally installing a solar energy system.  In general, the instructions are easy to follow and in no time you are on your way to your own solar power system.

If you are looking to build your own solar panel there are a numerous resources and guides available to help you through the process.   Click on the link to find out how to get Started making your own power at home and take advantage of the potential money savings and the reduction of your carbon footprint.

These random ways come from me from time to time, then I write them down and wait until I have enough ideas to make a post about them.  Here’s my latest group of ideas to save money at home.

Install a naural gas dryer.  Based on rates from April 2009, a natural gas dryer could save your up to $80 a year compared to electric models.  I know that doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you couple that with other cost cutting strategies it does add up!  Unlike older natural gas dryers, newer versions have adapted from a coninuously burning pilot light to a electronically controlled ignition, which in turn uses less gas.  Additonally, you will be helping out the environment by using 60% less carbon dioxide emissions compared to electric models.  Ask your natural gas service provider for installation services and where to purchase.

Use low flow fixtures.  There are many ways to take advantage of this to reduce your water consumption.  For starters, make sure you have an aerator on all your faucets.  By installing aerators, you are cutting the water flowing through your faucets by up to 30%.  You should also replace all of your shower heads with low flow units.  The average shower would use roughly 10-15 gallons of water.  Depending on how many people in your house take showers, low flow shower heads could make a significant impact in the amount of water that you can use.  Lastly, if you’ve already installed faucet aerators and low flow shower heads, you should consider low flow toilets.  This is by far the most expensive of the three options, but you could save 1-2 gallons per flush with a new unit…which will add up over time.  Keep in mind that all of these upgrades are covered under the Energy Retrofit Program and the Home Renovation Tax Credit (for Canadian Residents).  Go back and read my post on Government grants for going green if this is new to you.

Put water barrels under evestrough drain spouts.  There’s no sense letting all that rain water go to waste when you can use it for watering your flowers or washing your car.  Many hardware stores sell fancy (and expenisve) water barrels, but if you don’t really care what it looks like you could use a garbage can or any old bucket really.  Take advantage of free water whenever you can!