Energy
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Use a front-loading washer to cut dryer time roughly in half.
The higher spin speed reduces drying time.
one person who lived it
Once you switch off the oven, leave the door slightly open so leftover heat can escape into the room.
The released heat helps warm the house a little.
- Ensure the oven is turned off before leaving the door open.
3 people, independently
In winter, place drinks outside for a few hours to chill them without using the fridge.
Frees up fridge space at no cost.
- Do not leave overnight as they will freeze
2 people, independently
Use a feather to detect air leaks around windows, doors, vents, and pipes, then weather-seal those areas to reduce energy bills.
Weather-sealing is an easy upgrade that pays you back.
one person who lived it
Consider investing in a ventless dryer in cold climates to preserve home heating efficiency.
Conventional dryers suck heat out of the house.
- More expensive than conventional dryers
one person who lived it
Reverse the ceiling fan direction in summer to pull heat away and reverse it in winter to push warm air down.
Heat rises.
one person who lived it
Leave the bathroom door open while showering to distribute humidity and heat throughout the house.
Prevents mold and mildew by moving steam away from bathroom paint; retains warm air instead of venting it outside.
- May cause condensation on mirrors in other rooms
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Purchase energy-efficient appliances despite their higher initial cost.
They save you more money in the long run.
one person who lived it
Uncover window coverings while it is light outside to allow solar heat into the house, and draw them back when darkness falls.
Allowing daylight in can assist with warming the interior.
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Install a door sweep and adhesive weatherstripping to seal gaps under and around doors.
3 people, independently
Use economy or vacation mode on your hot tub to cut down on heating costs.
These modes only heat during very minimal circulation cycles.
one person who lived it
Block drafts at the bottom of doors and sliding glass doors by using draft stoppers or piling throw pillows along the base.
3 people, independently
Use a prepay electricity meter to monitor real-time usage and see money being wasted when unnecessary items are left on.
one person who lived it