More Random ways to Save at Home
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!
