One of Huntsville Highlight readers, Ginger Cribbs, offers these additional tips for saving money on your utility bills. Ginger says, "mostly I included tips that were low in cost and low in handy-man skills. There are lots of others like insulating attic space with additional insulation, installing a whole attic fan, etc. that require more technical know-how. I also emphasized what to do in the winter, but many of the same tips apply for the summer as well."
1. Do the same with windows as you do for doors.
You can buy or make cloth barriers to help seal breaks in bottom of windows and doors. Use old ties for instance to stuff and seal.
2. Vacuum the bottom of the outside of your refrigerator.
Also vacuum the back and behind it. This removes clogging dust and lets the air flow, allowing your refrigerator to function more efficiently.
3. Make custom insulation for your windows with foam board and decorative cloth.
They can be relatively inexpensive and can keep the house warm, especially at night. If the window is facing south or you want the light, remove during the day. Very easy to make and manipulate.4. Hang your clothes to dry instead of using the electric dryer.
Use the bathroom shower curtain rod to hang them on. Get a wooden dowel clothes rack and use it. To hang small items, plastic rings with small clothes pins are available at dollar and department stores. Even if you don't have much space, you can fit one of these somewhere. Use the clothesline.5. Make sure to turn off lights when you are not using them.
However, be aware that sometimes leaving a light on for a little while instead of constantly turning the light on and off saves energy.6. Don't flush the toilet every time.
Or put a brick or water jug in the tank, so less water will fill the back of the toilet.7. Place large pieces of furniture on outside walls.
This adds a little insulation.8. Clean or change the filters in your heating system on a regular basis.
9. Use towels more than once. Hang up to dry after a shower.
10. Let your dishes air dry.
