Home Efficiency

I'm sorry to hear about your mother. I hope you and your family are doing well.

Water:

• Wrap hot water tank and pipes with thermal blanket
• Turn down the temperature on the Hot Water tank

Electric:
While I fully agree that phantom loads are a real problem perform your due diligence before running out and buying products to eliminate/minimize it. Many people will suggest you run out and buy expensive power strips with remote controls and such. My calculations with a killawatt showed a three through four year payback time to cover the cost of the power strips. Choose your solutions carefully so they are the best for your unique situation.

Gas/Electric:
Hang your clothing to dry instead. It will last longer and cost you nothing but some time.


Time:
If you can make more money working for an hour than you can save doing a chore or household maintenance task yourself go to work for that extra hour. As with everything this doesn't apply if you really enjoy doing the task or it lets you spend the time with people you love being with. Remember, time is precious.

Quote from AceroSBU : I'm sorry to hear about your mother. I hope you and your family are doing well. Water: Wrap hot water tank and pipes with thermal blanket Turn down the temperature on the Hot Water tank

Actually, those would be to save on gas/electric, but I completely agree Another option would be to get a tankless water heater. Be careful when turning down the temperature, though, that you don't set it too low for the dishwasher and washing machine to properly clean your dishes / clothes. A solution here would be to get a dishwasher with an in-line heater, and to wash clothes in cold water, allowing you to set the water heater temperature to whatever is comfortable for showers / washing hands.

To cut down on water usage, install a low-flow (make sure it's a good one) or dual-flush toilet, and low-flow faucets (though, I'm not sure how well they work). Don't water your grass / flowers unless absolutely necessary, and when you do water in the early morning or in the evening.

Quote : Electric: While I fully agree that phantom loads are a real problem perform your due diligence before running out and buying products to eliminate/minimize it. Many people will suggest you run out and buy expensive power strips with remote controls and such. My calculations with a killawatt showed a three through four year payback time to cover the cost of the power strips. Choose your solutions carefully so they are the best for your unique situation.

Indeed - many phantom loads are on the order of watts, and cost very little over the course of a year (~$2.25 per year per watt of power consumption, assuming 25 cents / kWhr electricity cost). Plus, some of the biggest phantom loads are ones you don't necessarily want to turn off when you're not home - like your DVR. Best option is to get a basic power strip, plus in the things you do want to turn off (chargers, TV, stereo) and simply flip the switch when you're done. Leave things like the DVR / cable box plugged in and on standby.

Quote : Time: If you can make more money working for an hour than you can save doing a chore or household maintenance task yourself go to work for that extra hour.

This is a bit of a false argument, because - as you allude to - it doesn't take into account non-monetary costs or benefits. Further, and this is more the crux of the argument, a lot of people don't have the option to work that extra hour (no O/T, limited hours per week, etc) or are salaried and don't get paid by the hour.


ETA: To cut down more on heating / cooling costs, install a programmable thermostat - and use it properly! Learn how to program it! Lower (raise in the summer) the temperature as much as you can when you're not home / sleeping. The bigger the difference in temperature, the bigger your savings will be.

Install ceiling fans and keep the thermostat set higher in the summer.

Make sure doors and windows are insulated around the frames.

Quote from mmathis : Actually, those would be to save on gas/electric, but I completely agree Another option would be to get a tankless water heater. Be careful when turning down the temperature, though, that you don't set it too low for the dishwasher and washing machine to properly clean your dishes / clothes. A solution here would be to get a dishwasher with an in-line heater, and to wash clothes in cold water, allowing you to set the water heater temperature to whatever is comfortable for showers / washing hands. To cut down on water usage, install a low-flow (make sure it's a good one) or dual-flush toilet, and low-flow faucets (though, I'm not sure how well they work). Don't water your grass / flowers unless absolutely necessary, and when you do water in the early morning or in the evening. Indeed - many phantom loads are on the order of watts, and cost very little over the course of a year (~$2.25 per year per watt of power consumption, assuming 25 cents / kWhr electricity cost). Plus, some of the biggest phantom loads are ones you don't necessarily want to turn off when you're not home - like your DVR. Best option is to get a basic power strip, plus in the things you do want to turn off (chargers, TV, stereo) and simply flip the switch when you're done. Leave things like the DVR / cable box plugged in and on standby. This is a bit of a false argument, because - as you allude to - it doesn't take into account non-monetary costs or benefits. Further, and this is more the crux of the argument, a lot of people don't have the option to work that extra hour (no O/T, limited hours per week, etc) or are salaried and don't get paid by the hour. ETA: To cut down more on heating / cooling costs, install a programmable thermostat - and use it properly! Learn how to program it! Lower (raise in the summer) the temperature as much as you can when you're not home / sleeping. The bigger the difference in temperature, the bigger your savings will be. Install ceiling fans and keep the thermostat set higher in the summer. Make sure doors and windows are insulated around the frames.

All excuses to not make extra money, but to each their own.

Buy a high efficency toilet along with a smart toilet tank. So you just wash your hands with future toilet water.

You could also buy rain catchers so you can water your garden/lawn/flowers with stored rainwater.

Quote from PiratesSayARRR : All excuses to not make extra money, but to each their own.

How so?

As a salaried employee, I get paid the same regardless if I work 40 hours a week or 60. So say my time is worth 10 dollars per hour (assume 40 hours per week). If I can hire a guy to fix my heater for 5 dollars per hour, the argument says I should hire him and go work during that time he's fixing my heater, because I'll come out ahead by 5 dollars per hour. If I instead fixed the heater myself, I wouldn't make that 10 dollars per hour or pay the guy 5 dollars per hour. The problem with this argument is, I don't get paid any extra for going in that extra time. In fact, it devalues my time! Or do you suggest I get another job?

If I am an hourly employee, on the other hand, the argument holds a little more water. I make $10 / hr, pay a guy $5 / hr to fix my heater, and come out ahead $5 / hr, as before. Sure, that's fine and good, unless my employer limits my hours (doesn't want anybody getting O/T, benefits, etc), or maybe my employer doesn't need me at work at that time (already have enough people). Or do you recommend another job again? I suppose if you have the hours available at work, go for it.

Oh, and then what do you do when the guy is actually over and fixing your heater? Do you just give him the key and tell him to lockup when he's done? Hope your husband / wife / kids / neighbors are home to let him in?

Quote from mmathis : How so? As a salaried employee, I get paid the same regardless if I work 40 hours a week or 60. So say my time is worth 10 dollars per hour (assume 40 hours per week). If I can hire a guy to fix my heater for 5 dollars per hour, the argument says I should hire him and go work during that time he's fixing my heater, because I'll come out ahead by 5 dollars per hour. If I instead fixed the heater myself, I wouldn't make that 10 dollars per hour or pay the guy 5 dollars per hour. The problem with this argument is, I don't get paid any extra for going in that extra time. In fact, it devalues my time! Or do you suggest I get another job? If I am an hourly employee, on the other hand, the argument holds a little more water. I make $10 / hr, pay a guy $5 / hr to fix my heater, and come out ahead $5 / hr, as before. Sure, that's fine and good, unless my employer limits my hours (doesn't want anybody getting O/T, benefits, etc), or maybe my employer doesn't need me at work at that time (already have enough people). Or do you recommend another job again? I suppose if you have the hours available at work, go for it. Oh, and then what do you do when the guy is actually over and fixing your heater? Do you just give him the key and tell him to lockup when he's done? Hope your husband / wife / kids / neighbors are home to let him in?

You need to think outside the box. Why are you limited to just your current position. Why can't you do some consulting on the side, why can't you purchase and resell items, why can't you start your own company...there are many ways to think about it.

All too often I hear when someone wants to purchase an expensive item or "save more money" by cutting costs they never entertain the idea of earning more money...to me this should be the first option on the table unless you are just lavishly spending money.

Also spending $30 on a lightbulb to save energy costs...enjoy that long breakeven point.

Quote from mmathis : This is a bit of a false argument, because - as you allude to - it doesn't take into account non-monetary costs or benefits. Further, and this is more the crux of the argument, a lot of people don't have the option to work that extra hour (no O/T, limited hours per week, etc) or are salaried and don't get paid by the hour.

Agreed, I would be one of those exact people. Hourly employee but no overtime allowed. I got lazy and didn't go in depth.

Thank you all for your sympathy. I really do appreciate it. I also appreciate your awesome responses. I've updated the list with a few more items.

I have a few questions though..

Quote : Buy a high efficency toilet along with a smart toilet tank. So you just wash your hands with future toilet water.

How hygenic is this? I sometimes pour old drinks and such down my bathroom sink because I do not like staining the toilet. Or what if you are draining some other toxic liquid down the drain and the next unexpecting victim to drop one and get a splash back of some toxic stuff on their underside? haha just wondering but I think it's a wonderful way to save money!

Quote : ETA: To cut down more on heating / cooling costs, install a programmable thermostat - and use it properly! Learn how to program it! Lower (raise in the summer) the temperature as much as you can when you're not home / sleeping. The bigger the difference in temperature, the bigger your savings will be.

--mmathis:
Could you go deeper into how to optimally set a programmable thermostat?
Such as seasons: Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter
Just be as precise as you can but understand other people may have different conditions.


And also,
I think the arguement of spending money or making money is controversial.
Lets keep this at a minimum. Remember, this thread is how to save money and cut costs around the house.
I believe that everyone should work a little more than to scrape by. It should be possibly the same for everyone. A person who doesn't work, doesn't make money. A person who has no money cannot even afford to perform these basic DIY stuff. So let's all just focus on the main point here and share thoughts of how you reduced your costs and improved your efficiency!

Does anybody know anything about HVAC efficency and such?

I would like to improve the seal on my house to the outside. increasing efficiency.
Any answers will help!

Quote from cougarman : I have a few questions though.. How hygenic is this? I sometimes pour old drinks and such down my bathroom sink because I do not like staining the toilet. Or what if you are draining some other toxic liquid down the drain and the next unexpecting victim to drop one and get a splash back of some toxic stuff on their underside? haha just wondering but I think it's a wonderful way to save money!

No idea how hygenic it is. Found out from my realtor friend about these. Here is a link for one. http://www.amazon.com/CAROMA-Prof...285&sr=8-1

If you have forced air that runs through a basement it is always good to insulate the ducting. So that warm air stays warm and cool air stays cool while it travels through the ducting.

Quote : http://slickdeals.net/?sdtid=3935...285&sr=8-1

Oh right, I think i've seen one of these on home network. I think it's pretty sanitary since it's just a handwashing station but I think us and alot of other people would just use that one rarely. But it is a good idea if you could teach the family how to use it.

Look into the Nest Learning Thermostat. I hear great things about it saving people a ton of money a month

Quote from Ohaiyo : --mmathis: Could you go deeper into how to optimally set a programmable thermostat? Such as seasons: Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter Just be as precise as you can but understand other people may have different conditions.

In winter, e.g., set the thermostat to something comfortable in the morning when you're awake and in the evening when you're home - assuming you work a 9-5, that would be ~68F from 0600 to 0830, and ~68F from 1730 to 2230. When you're at work (0830 to 1730), set it as low as you can, usually about 60-62F (kind of depends on the area you live in, could even go into the high 50s). When you sleep (2230-0600), set the temperature a bit lower, maybe 65F, though lower if you can tolerate it. Some people may need higher temps while at home (instead of 68F), but realize the lower you can keep the temp, the less it's going to cost.

Keep the same times in the summer, but change the temperatures around. Say, 75F while home and awake, 85F while at work, and 77F while sleeping.

If you find yourself overriding the program often (need it a degree cooler or warmer, etc) then change the program settings! The key is to not override the temperate (say to make it go from 68 to 70 while home) indefinitely - you want the program to keep running, otherwise you're not saving any money. My old thermostat had a "hold" button, which would hold the temp forever, but I could also change the temp just until the next "phase" kicked in. My new one can hold the temp forever, and I can override the program for 2 hours after which point the program kicks back in. My new one should save us slightly more money because it's only a 2 hour override. So, make sure to check the owners manual on the various functions.

Quote : Does anybody know anything about HVAC efficency and such? I would like to improve the seal on my house to the outside. increasing efficiency. Any answers will help!

Make sure all your ducts are connected and secured (the 4-6" circular ducts should be screwed together; the main trunks should have brackets). Seal any joints you have access to (with metal tape, not duct tape) - just go right over the screws or bracket. There's also a duct-sealing compound you could use. Make sure there are no leaks in the ducts. A lot of ducting is usually hidden behind walls, but you can take off each floor register and look down the duct. If you're still really cold, best to have an HVAC guy come in and do an inspection / audit.

If your ducts run through your attic, definitely insulate them. The basement is a warm zone, so you shouldn't need to insulate them there (if it's cold down there, your HVAC system isn't right).

Make sure your attic has enough insulation - it is a cold zone, so you need to keep all the heat in the rooms below the attic from escaping. Make sure the insulation is spread out properly. If you see a lot of snow on your neighbors roofs, but little on yours, you need more insulation in the attic.

- thermal curtains and window shades
- check the insulation in attic it probably needs more if the house is older
- air leaks around doors, just about every door leaks
- set back your thermostat a couple degrees if the house is empty although not to much as often the recovery can cost more then the savings if you turn it down to much. People will argue to turn it way down but the savings is not there from my experience, but my house had minimal heat loss.