What are your tips to save money on your electric bill?

@hellybelle5

Жыл бұрын

We put fleece/microfiber/fluffy blankets in our beds, one to sleep on, one over us, and then our blankets. I told my parents to, and my Mum is delighted, as she is always cold ❤️

@pppaaattt8401

Жыл бұрын

I have just purchased weighted blankets. It actually keeps me warm with the other blankes I have when I go to bed. I turn on my heat for 15 minutes in the morning and dress and turn it off. When I’m in my room , office I put on space heater .

@georgewilliams8357

Жыл бұрын

Use space heaters and electric heating blankets.

Growing up my bedroom was freezing from being above an non insulated garage. At some point I got the brilliant idea to sleep inside my sleeping bag under the covers. No more cold nights!

Oh my goodness! You sound like me! I've been doing those things for years! I used to travel for work...3 months at a time, or more. I thought my electric bill would go down since there was nobody using electricity. It only barely went down. The next time I went on a travel assignment, I unplugged all the big things I knew could draw phantom electricity. My electric bill went down 76%!!!😳 I got all excited and unplugged EVERYTHING the next time I left for a travel assignment...lamps, clocks, sewing machine, etc. If it plugged in, I unplugged it, except the fridge and stove. My electric bill went down another 11%. I thought only big plugs, like dryers pulled phantom electricity, but it's everything that plugs in. I wanted to unplug the stove. It has a large plug, so it takes a LOT of phantom energy. I didn't want to pull the stove out to unplug it and then push it back in every time I used it, though. It occurred to me that I could turn it off at the fuse box...and in that very old house, the fuse box was in the kitchen. So, it was easy to turn the fuse off to the stove and only flip it on when I cooked...and then right back off again. Saved a lot of energy, but I never calculated the percentage. Now, in my current house, which is only a little bit over a hundred years old (but with updated electrical panel), it's harder to keep that up with the stove, because the breaker box is in the basement and I'm a lot older and disabled now. I do what I can. Fortunately the washer and dryer are on plugs I can reach easily. I dry my clothes on racks, but I like to put them in the dryer for about 10-15 minutes at the end so they'll be wrinkle free and soft. Now, I'm thinking of trying to unplug the fridge for a few hours a day...maybe 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening. It's tricky to see how much I can push those times out because I don't want to ruin any food...plus, I'm forgetful now. I have some trepidation about this. I also have a county program to keep electricity bill down. There's a program that helps me keep my gas bill down, too. I used to keep the heat in the winter set on 65 in the day and 53-55 at night, or, until it was freezing outside, I'd turn it off completely at night. I'd wait in the day to turn it on only when I began to feel cold. The threshold for me was when my nose got cold. That would happen right at 64°. I heard a lot of people say it costs more to turn heat on and off, or up and down, than it does to keep it at one set temperature. That's not true in my house. I tried that one year and my gas bill was significantly higher. I found this year that I can function fine, without a cold nose, at 63 °. Sheets are cold, so I put a fleece blanket down instead of a bottom sheet. They're easily washed, just like sheets. I put fleece blankets on top, too. I can't wear fleece pajamas, because that's like velcro-ing myself in bed!😄 I do the same with light bulbs...unscrew all but 1-2 bulbs, only keep a light on in the room I'm in, etc. One year, in July, when daylight lasts the longest, I didn't turn on any lights as it became dark. As it got dark about 9:30-9:45, I lit a couple of candles in the room I was in. I carried one with me when I went to another room. I had no children or pets at the time at home, so I could do this. That, in conjunction with all my unplugging, made my electricity bill only $13 that month. I have a cat now, so I don't do that. I do the same with water. I apply frugality to all I do...grocery shopping, gasoline etc. In the last 2 years, I've only had to fill up my gas tank in the car 2 times. That's TWO! I can do almost everything online. It's very rare I have to drive someplace. VERY RARE!! I'm also in my 2nd no-spend year. That saves SO much money! In the '80's, I read an article about a couple who decided not to spend on little frivolous, impulsive things, like gum or candy at the checkout in the grocery store, or pens and pencils not needed...anything they'd ordinarily pick up and buy even though it wasn't needed. They kept track of all they didn't buy they normally would have. It came to $13,000 for the year. I thought that was unrealistic, so I tried it myself. In 6 months, I'd saved $6,500! It IS true! It really happens! That was in the late '80's. It would be a lot more now, because of inflation...and current added inflation especially! I live on Social Security Disability now. This no-spend living helps me a lot, plus I don't have added stuff in the house...to have to organize, clean, etc. Ok, I've gone on too long. I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I get excited about the topics you brought up! 😃

@saraconklinfrozenpennies

Жыл бұрын

I absolutely LOVE this story! Good for you! It sounds like you're doing really great!!!

@UnStrungHero

Жыл бұрын

If you add to this, I would happily read all of it. Great reminders and things to think about THANKS!!

@jonnaborosky8836

Жыл бұрын

@@saraconklinfrozenpennies Thank you.😊

@jonnaborosky8836

Жыл бұрын

@@UnStrungHero You're so kind. Thank you!.

@jonnaborosky8836

Жыл бұрын

@@echognomecal6742 You're SO right!

Totally agree on the cold water for washing. I haven’t used hot water to wash for years. I also use my drying rack quite a bit . Saves wear and tear as well

Let your dogs sleep with you. They can really heat up a bed! Seriously, all great tips. We’ve been utilizing these for years as I’m as frugal as they come. I want to mention, changing the thermostat multiple times a day is not healthy for the unit(s). A friend of ours is an HVAC Professional and he says doing that will reduce the life of your furnace by years!

We used to live where we heated with wood and, believe me, wood is hard work. You have to stack it, chop it and have space indoors to store it. Now my husband and I are too old for that kind of hard work and heat with a heat pump that also works to cool our home in the summer. But I agree with you, a cool room is best for sleeping in and in the daytime you can always dress to keep warm. We're very fortunate to live in a draft free house as well so we save a lot on heating that way.

@aliceb1348

Жыл бұрын

I agree, we heat with a wood stove. Lots of work, mess from wood, it brings in a few ants, and makes the house more dusty from the ashes. But the wood is free.

My husband surprised me a month ago and bought a heating blanket, he turned it on 30 minutes before we got in bed and it's the best!!! We turn it off once we get in bed. Love it. It's under the fitted sheet and dual controlled.

Put curtain sheers over all your windows. it really keeps the cold from radiating into the room without blocking the light. I even put up a shower curtain tension rod up with sheers over my glass slider doors.

We use good old fashioned light bulbs because LED bulbs damages the retina of out eyes. But we don't keep lights on unless we're in the room.

This isn’t a tip for saving money on your electric bill but you mentioned the cost of filters for heaters has quadrupled. Buy 2 reusable ones off Amazon. When it’s time to change out the first one you put the second one in and gently rinse the first with water. Put it somewhere safe to dry. When it’s time for another filter just switch them again. You will have to replace them after a few years because they will eventually breakdown. But It saves buying all those disposable filters so it’s great for the environment AND your bank account. Pro tip: Don’t dry them in the sun. UV light will cause them to break down more quickly.

@saraconklinfrozenpennies

Жыл бұрын

Great idea!!! I didn’t even know they made these!!

@southerngirlyall6497

Жыл бұрын

Do you have a link?

@saraconklinfrozenpennies

Жыл бұрын

@@southerngirlyall6497 a link for what?

@southerngirlyall6497

Жыл бұрын

Reusable filters from Amazon

@saraconklinfrozenpennies

Жыл бұрын

@@southerngirlyall6497 try to see if your size is here: amzn.to/3XO5U9J

I live in a house built in 1926 and I have found that turning the heat down at night and then back up in the morning and then back down when we leave and then turning it back up when you come home it was actually costing me more to heat my house then when I just left my thermostat at a set temperature so I leave mine set at 72° and that works out best for my house. When you've got a place with big rooms and high ceilings it doesn't just take one or two cycles of your furnace to warm that place up it has to run quite a few cycles so it's actually better for me to just set the thermostat and leave it.

@shieh.4743

Жыл бұрын

There is no reason that should be. You might also consider turning the heat down to at 68F (20C) and wearing thick socks. If you're still cold, pop on some thermal underwear.

@cissylanier7035

8 ай бұрын

Glad you learned that before your whole system went out. Sometimes a little common sense goes a long way.

What a nice little channel! Good tipps and a charming host! Greetings from Italy!

If you at all know how and have a sewing machine, make yourself warm garments. I made myself a kimono style robe that goes double all the way in the front and double fleece in the back and sleeves. It keeps me warm even when the heating is off in our house. It's like wearing a big, warm hug. With the remnant of the fabric I'm sewing myself a warm, double fleece, pull over the head vest. These where garments that no money could have bought.

@cissylanier7035

8 ай бұрын

True good job and best of luck 👍

We use solar lights in the south side windows. We placed aluminum foil behind our floor vents. We changed to flannel blankets & high airbeds. We use crockpot, pressure cooker, air fryer, toaster oven. We run one appliance at a time. We switched to laundry balls for washer & dishwasher. We use dryer ball. We do not entertain at home. We open our south side windows for fresh air flow.

@saraconklinfrozenpennies

Жыл бұрын

I love these ideas!!!

Long floor length drapes are the best to keep cold against the wall. Our windows don’t leak air but an Old quilt or blankets work great over windows in extreme below zero days. The cold from the glass comes into the house even though they don’t leak. We were shocked when we put a thin quilt over one of our bedroom windows. It was so toasty and quiet! Cover glass doors in winter. Make a lined stagecoach roll up shade to block out the cold. We have a lot of windows. They are cold in winter unless its sunny. some winters are worse than others. I also use a wood pull out drying rack. 90% of our clothes are dried on it when not on the clothesline. We have an electric stove and oven so I use smaller electric appliances when I can like an instant pot or a Ninja Foodie 13 in 1 countertop oven. Makes a mean fresh or frozen pizza!!

Just changed the light fittings in my apartment and decided to not put up multi bulb fittings. I bought very fancy light shades which when up look like a light fitting but only takes one bulb. I also save in the kitchen by using my small appliances instead of my main oven. I have a toaster oven which is big enough to take a chicken or a reasonable sized joint. It takes slightly longer to cook but as the oven uses much less electricity means it is still cheaper, I use my instant pot for most of my other meals. I bulk cook and freeze so half the week I only need to use the microwave.

@saraconklinfrozenpennies

Жыл бұрын

I should have included the Instant Pot!! I love mine.

My husband has a habit of keeping kitchen cabinets open. I actually can feel the cold air coming in from the open cabinets. My house was built in the 50s and original cabinets.

@saraconklinfrozenpennies

Жыл бұрын

That's a little crazy! Another reason to shut. the. cupboard. door! 😂

@lizadivine3785

Жыл бұрын

I’m going to guess he is trying to prevent freezing of pipes. Ask him for his rationale.

@deep3499

Жыл бұрын

@@lizadivine3785 he does it all the time. My guess - habit or trying to drive me crazy because I have a little ocd about cabinets and closet doors being left open. Lol

While I m watching your video I ve got on thick slippers, woolen hat ,my thick nightie over my soft chenille pajama 😅and I am working out not only to exercise but also to warm myself up 😀

@saraconklinfrozenpennies

Жыл бұрын

Haha! Love this!!!

@cissylanier7035

8 ай бұрын

What a tight wad .I can't believe anyone is that frikin hard up for cash. If you are send me your address and I'll make a donation 😉

Two quilts on the bed.and cheaper running light bulbs

Close the cupboard doors already! Love it! Great tips, fast clip. You are owning it, FP! Thanks!

@saraconklinfrozenpennies

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your kind words!! The cupboard door struggle is real!!! 😂

@cissylanier7035

8 ай бұрын

I guess there is a reason they get left open so who are you to demand to close them. The nerves of some people on here. Some comments should be a shut up kind of thing.

I use a rice bag for my feet. My husband is basically a toaster, so he wouldn't want an electric blanket. Keep in mind, the same principle applies, a small amount of electricity is getting through to that blanket all night even though it is turned off -- not good for you!

We have been using solar landscaping lights inside to save on electricity. Even use them for Christmas lights in windows. 🤭

@saraconklinfrozenpennies

Жыл бұрын

Great idea!!!

Good idea on clothing racks next to my wood burner

Although it isn’t cheap up front, we had film put on all our windows and skylights. You still get light in but it really helped in our sunroom which is all windows. The air conditioner was always running to keep up even with the shades down. It has really helped. I like that the sun isn’t so bright on the skylights too.

@saraconklinfrozenpennies

Жыл бұрын

Great idea!

Great tips 👍. Thank you!

Someone told me to buy the little plug guards that you put in plug outlet to stop small children poking anything into the outlet. These block the draft coming in through he outlet. They cost me £3.99 for a pack of 6 so a couple of packs did most of my plugs.

@saraconklinfrozenpennies

Жыл бұрын

Great idea!!

@cissylanier7035

8 ай бұрын

Great job

I disagree about the laundry. Linens need to be washed in hot water & much clothing is best washed in warm water. Cold water is for delicates. In previous times warmer water was shown to be harder for microbes to survive. I agree with the rest of your presentation.

Thanks for sharing these tips Sara 👍

I like you practical presentation. Thanks.

Great tips! We did find that it's more efficient in our home to keep the heat at 67. There are some days in February when it gets until single digits or below 0 with wind chill (like last night) where we bump it up 1 degree. Definitely helps to dress in layers and use blankets.

I turn off the breaker for my stove and dishwasher until I need to use it. Saves me about 25$ a month.

@DJ-nh6wq

Жыл бұрын

I’m curious how infrequently you use these appliance, that it saves you $25 a month?

@Ladywren101

Жыл бұрын

@@DJ-nh6wq Around 5 times a week.

@cissylanier7035

8 ай бұрын

That is a smart idea. Some people on here don't use common sense and are causing wear and tear on things jacking the thermostat and appliances up and down. Guess they will learn when they will replace the things. They will learn to leave the things alone and let them run like they are made to do. Some things i read on here just makes my blood boil they are so stupid and I thought people were more intelligent than that. To tell you the truth I'd be imbarrassed to let others on this site know I was so stupid.

Due to the great amount of watts that toasters use we packed it up and put it in the bottom of the closet no more toast. We used to leave the coffee pot on all day and get coffee when ever we wanted to, not anymore. I make myself 2 cups and husband has a big insulated cup. After we get out two cups we shut it off. We switched all the "normal" lights for christmas lights with the solitary bulb, just so we don't run into things in the evening. We are using more night lights and not turning on the big lights. We don't unplug the microwave everytime I have tried to do that in the past the microwave stopped working, and we had to get a new one. All ceiling fans only have one bulb in them, unscrewed the other 2. All charger's are unplugged, only one load of washing per week, we hang out our clothes in the house to dry. Our electric bill went down 35.00. Thanks for the advice. We also with heat put plastic cardboard and blankets over the windows that face north, then pulled the curtains closed. The drafts around the doors are our biggest problem. Our house is old and not even so nothing seems to work.

As far as the outlets, along with the foam things to put under the plastic cover, you can put the plastic child proof covers in the outlets and the keeps the rest of the cold air from coming through.

Best video out here on savings for heat electricity!

@saraconklinfrozenpennies

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

The Willie Nelson tip ..."Turn out the lights , the party's over" @ 8:10 I heard a minister I enjoy listening to. He was in his office contemplating the need for a new employee , and wondered where he would come up with $50k for him/her. (benefits,etc.) He felt the Lord impress the thought to have all the employees (100+) practice turning the lights off in the offices. Every time you leave,even 30 sec to the water fountain and so on up. He remembered the illustration of Jesus feeding 5,000 and afterwards gathering up the fragments in twelve large baskets. The point being the fragments added up. At the end of the month the light bill had gone down 5,000 dollars , or 60k for the year. It was already there in the fragments, the way you speak of cutting various services and saving 5k here , 3k there, etc. 🤗

@brianjones7660

Жыл бұрын

Subscribed!!!

Im in Northern Indiana, I have set my thermostat to 66 degrees 24/7. If your cold put on a hoodie or housecoat, and a pair of thick socks. I also heat with propane. I purchased 200 gal in late Aug and it was aprox $750.

@saraconklinfrozenpennies

Жыл бұрын

WOW! We are adding electric options to our heating too. Little electric heater under my desk in the office and a heating pad in the evening under the lap blanket

Electrics my biggest outlay so ive got a woodburner for cooking on flattop n heat. N im getting a solar generator fo only deep freeze n fridge put freezer on 3 hours n fridge off 3 hours. Alternate everything works fine dont need lights i use dollar tree outdoor solar lights n put bubble wrap over windows better than plastic can reuse annually😊

Already being cold, I hope I don’t freeze my pants off!!! 🥶

Think the money one saves can be spent wisely

lol.what is w/kids and the cabinets?i cant figure it out.

I have alot of beanie hats and scarves and warm socks…so far so good! So sad that living in america makes me dress like I am living in Siberia. I blame my government for that.

Sara your advice is SO great. But PLEASE smooth out your editing. It is so very jumpy that as an epileptic i had to stop watching the video and just listen to audio. Just an FYI

@saraconklinfrozenpennies

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll work on that for you☺️

After your first tip I had to switch of. I have a degree in electronics.

@jat6547

Жыл бұрын

What do u mean ??

@solidstate9451

Жыл бұрын

@@jat6547 When the circuit is open, no energy is lost. Removing the extension cord is pointless.

Is moving your heat temperature up and down costing you more than a steady temperature?

@saraconklinfrozenpennies

8 ай бұрын

Nope. if you are changing the temperature up and down all day long it might but because it stays at a consistant temp for long bouts, its saving us money.

@cissylanier7035

8 ай бұрын

Yes and it's stupid in my opinion. Plus it will cause your system to wear out sooner.

I would like to bitch about led lights. They are so expensive how can one possibly save any money when they keep raising the rates anyway?🤔

Freezing in my own home is a no go for me. I’m guessing these tips are for the poor because you can’t tell people who have done well with money will sleep with socks on. Or unplug everything in their house. A lot of these ideas save very little but if you are on the edge you might have to resort to them. I’m glad I spent my working years saving and working hard.

@kimwallace1708

Жыл бұрын

Entitled much?!

@kimwallace1708

Жыл бұрын

Some of us call it stewrdship.