11 Money Saving Tips for Tough Times

We all like to save a little of the “green” from time to time. But in these tough economic times, it’s even more important to make every penny count.

11 Money saving tips that cost nothing to implement:

1. Lower your thermostat by a degree or two for heating, or raise it a couple for cooling. I rarely forget to turn down the thermostat at night, as I sleep better in cooler temperatures. If you find this hard to do, buy a programmable thermostat – the $35 purchase could save 20% off your heating bill.
2. When driving, ease up on the gas. Slower starts and staying below the speed limit will help. Check your tire pressure too. Using a bike or public transportation would be even better.
3. Turn down the temperature on your hot water heater.
4. Wash your clothes in cold water, not warm or hot. Hang the clothes out to dry, rather than using an electric or gas dryer.
5. Double check any clothes you take to the dry cleaner – can they be washed by hand?
6. Make your own household cleaners. It’s much cheaper than the items you purchase, works just as well and is better for your health.
7. Shorten your shower times or better yet, buy a low flow shower head which reduces the amount of water you use by 50% or more.
8. It’s cheaper to use your microwave and toaster oven to cook and reheat smaller items, rather than heating an oven or stove top.
9. Unplug TVs, stereo, computer, printers, etc. when not in use. These items use power in stand-by mode. A DVD player is likely to use 500% more power sitting in stand-by mode than while it’s playing, given the number of hours these things are usually OFF but still using electricity.
10. Clean the coils on your fridge every few months and make sure there is room around the fridge for the warm air to escape.
11. Use your blinds to keep hot sun out in the summer. Open the blinds during sunny days in the winter. Your winter windows are “built-in” solar collectors.

Similar Posts:

• Energy Saving Tips
• 16 No Cost Ways to Help the Environment
• Energy Conservation Week – 63 Tips to Save Energy

Filed under: conservation