Household Tips

• Reuse white foam meat trays by cutting it to size and using it under wall switches to prevent drafts.
• Hang clothes outside or set up a clothes line inside instead of using a dryer. If you do use the dryer, make sure you clean it after every load to reduce energy use.
• Close off heat and doors to unused rooms. Keep your closet doors closed, since there is no need to heat or cool them.
• Use bathroom fans sparingly in the winter since the fans remove warm air.
• It is more economical to use one large bulb than several small bulbs. For instance, a 100-watt bulb gives as much light as six 25-watt bulbs but uses less than 2/3 the power.
• Keep your freezer full since all the frozen items will keep other items cold, but don't pack your fridge; it needs room so that air can circulate around the food.
• Keep the coils on your fridge clean. Vacuum them twice a year.
• Cool hot foods before putting them in the refrigerator or freezer. Also, be sure all moist foods are covered since high humidity requires more energy.
• Lower your thermostat at night and when the house is empty to save on your heating bills.
• Keep the drapes open during the day to take in the heat from the sun, but shut them at night to keep out the cold.
• Take short showers instead of baths.
• Use appliances during off-peak hours if possible. For instance, your washer and dryer can be used when the rates are lower without sacrificing convenience.
• Use your dryer efficiently. Keep the lint filter in your dryer clean and dry loads one after another so that less energy is needed to warm up the dryer.
• Wear layers of clothing instead of turning up the thermostat in the house. For every degree you lower the thermostat, you save 3% on your heating bill. Try a hooded sweatshirt, lightweight sweaters or slacks made of closely woven fabric.
• Turn down the temperature on your hot water heater a few degrees. Not only will it save on your monthly bills, your heater should last longer as well.
• Insulate your hot water heater and the hot water pipes to keep the water hot.
• If you are going away for an extended time, you could turn off or turn down your water heater. After all, if no one is using it, why pay to have it heated 24 hours a day?
• Iron your clothes when they're still damp. It saves on drying time and you don't have to use steam.
• Install a dimmer switch for your incandescent lights.
• Replace incandescent lights that are on for 3 or more hours with compact fluorescent lights. They last up to 10 times longer and cost one quarter the amount to operate.
• Dust light bulbs and fixtures to improve light output. A dusty bulb will give off up to 50% less light. Always turn off the light when you leave a room.
• Fill up the dishwasher before using it. You'll use the same amount of energy and water for a half full load as you would for a full one.
• When the dishwasher has completed its final rinse, wait for the steam to settle and then open the door and let the dishes air dry. It's much faster and uses less energy.
• Use cold cream, peanut butter or salad oil to remove cement glue from furniture.
• Rubbing cold tea on varnished floors makes a good cleaning agent.
• Floor squeaks can be silenced by dusting talcum powder or dripping glue into the cracks.
• Sticky dresser drawers will slide more easily if you rub candle wax or soap on the runner.
• If you have a leaking vase, try coating the inside with a thick layer of paraffin.
• Wipe off mildew on shower curtains with baking soda paste and lemon juice. Use equal parts vinegar and water for shower doors.
• Reuse first, then recycle. Use the other side of old junk mail for scrap paper before taking it to the recycling bin.
• If your appliance is not working, try calling the manufacturer if they have a toll free number. Have the model number ready and explain the problem. Sometimes they'll be able to tell you how to fix it over the phone, saving you the cost of a repair visit.
• When you get your mail, keep your old envelopes and write down your shopping list on the outside of it. Inside the envelope, store the coupons that correspond to the list when you go to the store.
• Save the water you use to wash your vegetables to water your house plants.
• To save on water bills, use a water saver and take short showers.
• Put a plastic jug, filled with water, in the water tank of the toilet to decrease the water usage. Do not use a brick or anything that could fall apart and disintegrate.
• You can lower the water level of the toilet by bending the rod of the float a bit or using a screwdriver to adjust it.
• If you are going to purchase or replace a toilet, buy a shallow-trap toilet which uses less water per flush.
• Install a single-control shower valve which lets you preset the water temperature so that you don't waste as much water when you're making hot and cold adjustments.
• Make your own cleaning solutions.
• Reuse wrapping paper, ribbons and bows.
• Rather than buy expensive junk food, try making your own snacks like popcorn hot off the stove.
• Save your paper and reuse it for scrap paper such as writing messages or grocery lists or even to collect grease in the kitchen.
• Save tins from pies and styrofoam meat trays (washed thoroughly) to store leftovers or home-baked goodies to give away.
• Reuse your grocery bags to line your garbage cans.
• Wet the string or cord before tying a package for mailing. When the string dries, it will tighten and prevent the string from slipping.
• When wrapping packages, you can premeasure the length of the gift paper by wrapping a string around the package first, then use it as a guide to cut the desired length.
• When mailing cookies, pack in popcorn to keep them from crumbling.
• Postage stamps that are stuck together will come apart when placed in the freezer.
• To preserve a news clipping, dissolve a milk of magnesia tablet in a quart of club soda overnight. Pour into a pan and soak the flattened newspaper for one hour. Remove and pat dry. Do not move it until it is completely dry.
• Save your fresh milk for drinking; use powdered milk for baking and cooking.
• Corn starch can be used instead of baby powder. It's cheaper, not perfumed, and less likely to cause diaper rash.
• Use half a fabric softener sheet in the dryer rather than a whole one. Or to save on your utilities bill, hang your clothes to dry.
• Remember that most sweet brand name cereals are expensive and contain very few nutrients. Mix your cereals to get a good balance of nutrition, taste, and cost effectiveness.
• Teach children to take care of their toys, clothes, etc. so they don't have to be replaced so quickly.
• Consolidate your errands so you don't have to make several trips.
• Ask insurance companies about discounts to non-smokers, part-time drivers, groups insurance rates, etc. Don't buy insurance you don't need (ie. life insurance for children or for singles with no dependents).
• Do your own tax returns if possible and don't be late in filing it.
• Save on minor repair/maintenance bills for your car by doing it yourself or taking it to your local trade school. They usually just charge for parts, not labour.
• If you need to see a doctor, ask for samples since s/he carries a large assortment of products (compliments of the drug companies).
• Get a library card to borrow books, music and movies.
• Enter your name in all kinds of contests to win prizes.
• Borrow items that are not used often from friends and family. Be sure to return the favour.