Redecorating to save money

[Bruce Wayne]

With energy prices rising all the time people are investing in their homes to make them more energy efficient and reduce their energy bills. Has anyone here done this?

[Broken Arrow]

Re: Redecorating to save money

Oh yes, I've always been interested in this, and that's before the recent energy price hike.

However, I don't have much technical knowledge to do so beyond that, though I will be sure to keep an eye on this thread for any useful tips that you guys are willing to share.

[dshep]

Re: Redecorating to save money

We just purchased a new refrigerator, bigger then the one we had before, but uses less electricity. Go figure. Then again, the old one was at least 15 years old. We are buying a new dryer this fall. Again replacing one that was about 15 years old..... New roof hopefully going on this fall too... I never realized how much heat you lose when the roof is in bad shape. I am also making window quilts for most of the windows. New windows come next year.

[Snoopy2645]

Re: Redecorating to save money

yes last summer we put in a huge air conditioner cost around 1k but has saved me a ton this year running the air & it actually keeps the house cool the old one couldnt keep up put anyways point being I am sure we have saved at least $500 or more on electric it was unreal how low our electric was this year compared to last

[sweeps]

Re: Redecorating to save money

I got new windows and doors. Already seeing a big difference. Plus although it's not much, the federal tax credit is a nice bonus.

[PrincessPerky]

Re: Redecorating to save money

I asked for curtains..that block out heat/keep it in for christmas..does that count?

I eventually want to have them in every room..but one thing at a time

[Saving in So Cal]

Re: Redecorating to save money

As we remodeled our home, we replaced fixtures, windows, appliances, etc. with more energy efficient models. We have gotten rebates from the electric/gas/water company on almost everything.

[Fern]

Re: Redecorating to save money

The new refrigerator I ordered is energy star-rated. Replacing a smaller 10 year old one.

[toys]

Re: Redecorating to save money

Did you know that fans (especially ceiling) circulating air help keep your energy bill down... and not just in the heat, use them in the winter too.

[Ima saver]

Re: Redecorating to save money

My house is 10 years old and my husband built it. We used lots of insulation and very good anderson windows. I think my house is pretty energy efficient.

[Great to be Debt Free]

Re: Redecorating to save money

We have solar cell shades in the two bedrooms to block light/heat. It helps A lOT! We also use the fans a lot -- both in summer and in winter, we just flip the switch so they go the other direction.

Of course, in the winter I always leave the oven door open after I cook to take advantage of heat I've already used, but in the summer, I shut it up just as quick as I can. I also keep all the vents in the finished basement shut during summer as it stays cool enough and I don't need the AC trying to cool it (whenever i actually turn the AC on, that is).

[Dido]

Re: Redecorating to save money

I'm planning on getting some of those cell-shades to insulate windows in the next year (after I replace money from the emergency fund).

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

One of my biggest energy usage problems is that the house has solid masonry walls, so there is no place internal to slip in some insulation, nor is there even an air gap between the inner wall surface and outer wall surface. In my imagination only, I have hung gorgeous heavy tapestries floor to ceiling in the ancient style of insulation.

Someone gave us a throw rug the other day to put under my husband's computer desk and chair, saying it was to keep his feet warm. We have bare wood, vinyl and tile floors. I know rugs or carpet would feel warmer in winter, but I like the cleanliness of are floors and we can just wear our house slippers in winter. Rugs do make it fell warmer in winter; I won't argue.

Many people consider blankets tossed over the arm of a chair to be part of their decor, but they will put them to service to ward off a chill, which is the original use of a blanket.

My white lace curtains let in a lot of light, even when closed, so many days I do not need to turn on a light.