tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post2268764904344094792..comments2024-03-28T09:27:28.962-07:00Comments on creative savv: Cutting the natural gas bill: Summertime success!Lilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-66970116675024373792013-08-17T21:31:29.402-07:002013-08-17T21:31:29.402-07:00Hi Brandy,
I'll have to see if I have a grater...Hi Brandy,<br />I'll have to see if I have a grater attachment any smaller. I have hand grated bars of soap before, and the flakes didn't dissolve well in cold. Maybe my flakes were too large, or my incoming cold water too cold (our cold water hovers around 49-50 degrees year round, here). But I'm always willing to try something new. It could have been the brand of soap, as well. Thanks for the tip on using the smallest setting.<br /><br />I believe I read that water heaters tend to last longer with soft water (which is what we have in Seattle), than hard water. And that could account for ours lasting so long. We did drain it last weekend, and there was very little sediment, even after all these years. In reading up on buying a replacement, I did read that most new water heaters never need flushing.Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-35228304437310377692013-08-12T21:23:32.816-07:002013-08-12T21:23:32.816-07:00I have been using powdered homemade laundry soap i...I have been using powdered homemade laundry soap in cold water (I grate it on the smallest setting on my Kitchen Aid attachment) and I don't have problems with dissolving.<br /><br />I have a bucket in the showers to use while the water heats up. I use it for cleaning and for watering outdoor potted fruit trees. It is an ice cream bucket, so I didn't buy the bucket.<br /><br />We have used a timer; my oldest daughter has waist-length hair and aims for 5 minutes. She uses a homemade leave-in conditioner that is pennies to make and so she only has to wash her hair. She has been using a timer for several years. I like the idea of permanent timers in each bathroom; it is a son who takes the longest showers (and the hottest ones!) We have been working on getting him to take shorter showers.<br /><br />I think it's pretty amazing that your water heater has lasted that many years; they usually don't last more than 10.The Prudent Homemakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13229771550830911638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-11891446928100802392013-08-09T09:26:09.197-07:002013-08-09T09:26:09.197-07:00When you said cistern, I thought of rain cisterns....When you said cistern, I thought of rain cisterns. But you have to have water trucked in. Wow! Now that would be a pain. And I can definitely understand why you'd not want to waste a single drop.Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-84593486111007811962013-08-09T05:54:19.609-07:002013-08-09T05:54:19.609-07:00The bedrock is so close to the surface here that m...The bedrock is so close to the surface here that most of my neighbours outside of the immediate town limits have one as water pipes cannot be laid. I'd never heard of it before I came to Canada from England.<br /><br />It's a creative challenge and we can really track our water use as we have to order a delivery when it gets too low. It's a balancing act between not ordering too early and having the excess just pour out of the top, and not leaving it too late so that we, um, run dry. (once!)<br /><br />Currently we reorder about every 6 weeks, the previous owner of the house (just one person compared to our four) apparently had a delivery every month! I like to see how far I can stretch the time.Jessicanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-38550249462393343012013-08-08T20:08:07.208-07:002013-08-08T20:08:07.208-07:00Hi Jessica,
A cistern, very interesting. I've ...Hi Jessica,<br />A cistern, very interesting. I've never known anyone before with a cistern for their home. Is this common in your area?<br />Good solution for the water that would've just gone down the drain! I get annoyed over the water wasted, as the shower heats up, because we're paying for that water, as it's city water.Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-5883660253772243222013-08-08T08:57:37.546-07:002013-08-08T08:57:37.546-07:00We have a cistern for our water and I used to grea...We have a cistern for our water and I used to greatly resent the loss of water while waiting for the shower to heat up. So..... I fill a bucket (pail?) with the cold water from the bath tap and when it starts to run warm I (in one swift move) remove the bucket while switching to the shower. That bucket full of water is one and a half toilet flushes! So now I feel better.<br /><br />Some great ideas, thanks so much for sharing this journey!Jessicanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-69346460485243001682013-08-08T08:17:55.820-07:002013-08-08T08:17:55.820-07:00Hi Judy,
Thanks! We were using the liquid from Dol...Hi Judy,<br />Thanks! We were using the liquid from Dollar Tree, and I can't remember why we changed to the powder. I'll have to give the liquid a chance again. <br /><br />I know for some circumstances, cold water just doesn't work for some people. But it's funny that we've been sold the idea that everyone should wash in hot or warm. I remember when my kids were babies, the salesman who sold us our machine practically insisted that we use the hot or warm setting on children's clothing. Really, I thought he was going to come home with us and monitor which setting I used. I can see for diapers, yes on hot, but for the rest of the kids' clothes, sometimes HOT actually sets the stain.<br /><br />Thanks for your words of encouragement!Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-51516197192041580842013-08-08T08:12:26.627-07:002013-08-08T08:12:26.627-07:00Thanks, Jayne!
Yeah, celebrating small wins keeps ...Thanks, Jayne!<br />Yeah, celebrating small wins keeps me motivated. Sometimes, the pressure to reduce so much, is crushing, like being told you have to lose 100 pounds in 5 months or risk a heart attack. At first I had oodles of motivation. But now, I waver between pumped-up and frozen with anxiety. Thanks for your vote of confidence.Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-72146262247110194262013-08-08T08:09:02.393-07:002013-08-08T08:09:02.393-07:00Hi Cat,
You may be right on a bath possibly more c...Hi Cat,<br />You may be right on a bath possibly more cost-effective than a looong shower. It all depends on how deep the bath is, do you top off the hot water during the bath, to keep it hot, and compare to a shower that's quick, and maybe uses a conservation shower head. Keep in mind, that a tub faucet doesn't have a flow restrictor, so your water into the tub is running full force. I do love hot baths, as well. I've compromised and limited myself to one long soak a week, and my daughters have the same privilege. I think we need to pamper ourselves from time to time. <br /><br />I make laundry soap in a pinch. But I just grate a bar of soap and mix in some Oxy Clean and baking soda, without any formal recipe. It is a lot of work, when the dollar store sells detergent that works fine enough. But who knows, I may revisit this as we continue to cut costs.<br /><br />Yes, turn down the water heater several hours before you flush it, so you don't have to deal with uncomfortably hot water. One site I read said to turn the water heater down to it's lowest setting the night before, if we plan on saving the water in buckets/rain barrel, to use on the yard. It makes me nervous, too. I think because it's dealing with a gas appliance (I have these fears that the house will blow up), and because I'm afraid we'll wreck the whole thing, and be forced into a decision of tankless or with-tank right now. And I'm not ready for that decision. I'll let you know how it goes.Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-62900216582729735162013-08-08T07:58:44.161-07:002013-08-08T07:58:44.161-07:00Hi Lisa,
Ouch! Your comment has reinforced my feel...Hi Lisa,<br />Ouch! Your comment has reinforced my feeling that we have to do this now! I'm hoping that our water heater is not too far gone.<br />That is fantastic, though, that you are now saving $10 every month. Your new water heater will have paid for itself in no time -- and you get the benefit of a plentiful hot water supply. <br />Furnace pilot lights cost just a few dollars/month when the furnace is not actually running. Some people turn theirs off in summer, for the savings. But I've heard that keeping it on prevents moisture build-up (reducing corrosion), and keeps spiders and other critters out, both problems that could cause a costly service call. So some people (myself included) keep theirs lit.<br /><br />I'm glad you're enjoying my blog -- thanks for your kind words!Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-16807889584023544112013-08-08T07:43:09.001-07:002013-08-08T07:43:09.001-07:00Yes, we have to "buy" water. I've ne...Yes, we have to "buy" water. I've never lived with a well/septic system. <br /><br />I'm just a tad nervous about flushing the water heater. Afraid we'll somehow wreck it altogether! But we're going to give it a go this weekend.Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-11539094563870755542013-08-08T06:26:05.317-07:002013-08-08T06:26:05.317-07:00Once again, terrific inspiration for everyone.
...Once again, terrific inspiration for everyone. <br /><br />You can try liquid detergent in the cold water. I've used cold water only for years and it works just fine for us. I use liquid detergent only.Judynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-55332328379507844322013-08-08T05:48:14.393-07:002013-08-08T05:48:14.393-07:00Congratulations Lili,
You are doing fabulously in ...Congratulations Lili,<br />You are doing fabulously in finding every way possible to cut back on bills. And I'm so happy that you're also creating celebration moments whenever and wherever you can. Keep up the fantastic efforts -- if anyone can do it, it's you!!!!Jaynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08627803031033137170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-21125407187840413492013-08-07T22:57:39.425-07:002013-08-07T22:57:39.425-07:00I fear I'm not great at saving hot water. One ...I fear I'm not great at saving hot water. One of my vices is long hot baths. But I often wonder how water use compares between showers and baths. It takes way less than 15 minutes to fill the tub, and I get to luxuriate for nearly an hour... seems like a better deal than taking a long shower.<br /><br />I need to do some experimenting with laundry. I used to wash everything in cold, but when I switched to warm things got noticeably cleaner. Have you ever done a cost comparison on those homemade laundry detergents? It's never seemed worth it to me, but then again, it takes me 2-3 years to use up one bottle of detergent.<br /><br />I too need to clear the sediment out of my hot water heater. I think I read that you don't need to empty it, and that a bucket or two will be plenty to get rid of the stuff, but maybe that's wishful thinking. Let us know how it goes... not sure why, but this is one job that makes me really nervous. Maybe I should turn the temperature way down before I tackle it so there's less chance of injuring myself or others!<br /><br />Anyhow, congratulations on yet another success in the savings department.EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-41462996285653407952013-08-07T15:35:54.558-07:002013-08-07T15:35:54.558-07:00We just replaced our 16 year old hot water heater....We just replaced our 16 year old hot water heater... It had sediment real bad because we had never drained it either... It only gave us 5 minute showers and had to wait 20 minutes to heat back up before the next one could take a shower... because it was heating all that sediment to... We just got our first gas bill since the water heater was installed and we saved $10 this month and we have been taking longer showers.. We have a gas furnace to and the pilot lights stays on all the time...I am sure we would save more if we turn it off... <br /><br />You have had great tips and I enjoy your blog... Have a wonderful night...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10476106116117964270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-18812633293040513082013-08-07T14:52:31.615-07:002013-08-07T14:52:31.615-07:00Lili,
I've lived with private well water and s...Lili,<br />I've lived with private well water and septic systems since 1990, any water conservation is a good thing! : )<br />I assume that you pay for your water.<br />Yes, repurpose the clean to rusty water from the water tank. Not that hard to do, once you've done it, you'll feel more confident!CTMOMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04825780992878036362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-35602271141355639502013-08-07T14:40:24.101-07:002013-08-07T14:40:24.101-07:00Hi live and learn,
You're absolutely right. Th...Hi live and learn,<br />You're absolutely right. The bacteria that causes Legionnaire's Disease thrives at temperatures below 120 F.<br />Most water heaters have a bold marking or indent at the spot for 120 degrees F. But these thermostats can be faulty. The best test is to run the hot water in your house, at the nearest tap, for a few minutes. Capture some hot water and use a thermometer to see what the temp of water coming out of the faucet is. Ideally, you'll want the temperature at the nearest tap to read a couple degrees above 120F, so that water going to further taps will still be hot enough.<br /><br />For anyone with a compromised immune system, the temperature of the water tank should really be set higher, near 140 degrees F, according to most experts. Legionella can live in 120 F water. It's just that for most healthy folks, this small amount of bacteria can be fought off by their bodies.<br /><br />When we first bought our water heater, I was told the magic number was 124F, so that's what we strive for.<br /><br />And in case you're curious, the WARM setting on water heaters is about 95 degrees F. If you go out of town, and use the VACATION setting, it could take several hours for the water to rise to the ideal temperature, depending on temperature of water as it enters your house, and how much the water had cooled while you were away. For most tank water heaters in the US, the VACATION setting on your tank will save you about 75 to 85 cents per week of use. But the reheating of water could cost you about 50 to 60 cents, so you'll only net about 25 cents, using this feature. (The math is on this page: http://www.leaningpinesoftware.com/hot_water_heater_vacation.shtml ).Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-14996645286499231542013-08-07T14:04:58.340-07:002013-08-07T14:04:58.340-07:00When we had an energy audit last year, they told u...When we had an energy audit last year, they told us that our water heater was not hot enough to kill most of the bacteria. Ours was around 118F and should be 120F to 125F. Sounds like you've taken that into account, but in case there's anyone out there like us that just thought they were saving energy, be careful.Live and Learnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13493777474885053903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-55647892288645751462013-08-07T12:28:46.311-07:002013-08-07T12:28:46.311-07:00Hi Kris,
Interesting set-up for your wash water. I...Hi Kris,<br />Interesting set-up for your wash water. I like the idea of reclaiming gray water.<br /><br />Great idea on posting appliance cost in a sidebar. I'll get to that later this week.<br /><br />I've been checking averiecooks since you mentioned it a week or two ago. She has some really delicious-looking recipes. I've been doing more and more of my cooking in the microwave. Last night I did both corn bread and rhubarb sauce in the microwave. And my family really loves the sponge cake/pudding recipe that a reader added to the comments back in January. Cake solves a lot of my problems! Probably not the healthiest way to go through life, but for now, it's working for me. Also, having home-made snacks ready to eat, keeps us from feeling "there's nothing to eat in the house".Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-75485126402313526872013-08-07T12:21:53.731-07:002013-08-07T12:21:53.731-07:00Thank you, Shara!Thank you, Shara!Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-26355337282427234962013-08-07T12:21:05.100-07:002013-08-07T12:21:05.100-07:00Hi Carol,
You'd be proud of me -- when I went ...Hi Carol,<br />You'd be proud of me -- when I went to wash out my tea balls (I have 3 and will wait until all 3 need washing before taking care of them), I filled a clean cereal bowl with warmish water and soap, and washed them in there, following with 2 rinses, instead of my usual washing the tea balls under running water. I guess I used 2 cups of water, instead of likely 1 o 1 & 1/2 quarts.<br /><br />Interesting experiment with the cinnamon. Most of my pots go into the dishwasher (I am totally spoiled, I know already, I have 2 dishwashers, one just for dishes, the other for pots/pans/mixing bowls and equipment -- my eczema gets quite bad on my hands from dish soap and latex or rubber gloves), so I don't wash many by hand. But when I do (I have a couple that shouldn't go into machine), I fill that bowl or pot with soapy water, and use that for keeping my hands clean while I'm cooking. Then by the time dinner is finished cooking, that bowl or pot is clean, from all the agitation.<br /><br />Thanks for the info on draining a water heater. I've been thinking we might try to line the empty rain barrel up in the driveway, within reach of the hose, and save some of the water from the water heater for garden watering. You've given me the confidence to try this, so thanks!Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-85693352099248619052013-08-07T11:08:10.433-07:002013-08-07T11:08:10.433-07:00Wow. When you started this project, I honestly di...Wow. When you started this project, I honestly didn't think you'd save more than about $5/month. Good info to know.<br /><br />I have not had great success with using cold water for laundry. I end up with smells, especially with pillowcases. However, I have a washing machine style which is probably no longer available--I have a sud saver--if I'm not washing anything with "gross" potential (sheets, towels are ok) the water from my washer drains into my laundry tub and then can be re-used in the washer for the next load. The washer uses fresh water to rinse everything (it's a cold rinse). It saves on both water and heating costs, as well as not putting as much stress on my septic system (which ultimately saves money as well). <br /><br />I appreciate your comments to me previously about the cost of running appliances. That might be good information to post in a sidebar--it's really quite shocking, the difference in appliance costs. <br /><br />If you want to expand your microwave repertoire, averiecooks.com has a yum-a-riffic microwave blueberry banana oat cake recipe which takes 4 minutes to cook up AND is super healthy (I only add 1/2 as much sugar as is called for and it's plenty sweet). I have made a peanut butter pudding cake recipe in my crockpot to rave reviews (ok, from my family) and I think there are a lot of crockpot cake/dessert recipes out there (I don't know about you, but I find that something sweet curtails that "why don't we have more money to spend" feeling--the joys of sugar!). Krisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-72341081273859419802013-08-07T09:37:46.847-07:002013-08-07T09:37:46.847-07:00Great job! Great job! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-65731959359136661282013-08-07T09:00:56.699-07:002013-08-07T09:00:56.699-07:00Lili,
Your efforts clearly are paying off. I sugge...Lili,<br />Your efforts clearly are paying off. I suggest, however, that you move to using a plastic dish bin when handwashing pots/pans. Fill 1/2 way, wash and let the hot rinse water collect in the basin. Use that soapy water to wash hands. I recall an "experiment" done during my Girl Scout days: we covered 3 scout's hands with some cooking oil and sprinkled cinnamon on top (to represent dirt). Scout # 1 washed her hands in just cold water. Poor results. Scout # 2 washed hers in cold with soap, better results but not great. Scout # 3 used warm water and soap-she got clean. The lesson was to use warm water and soap when cleaning. This applies to hand washing hygiene as well as dish cleaning. Washing laundry in cold water is a great $ saver that we also follow, except I continue to wash towels and whites in warm. When I dropped down from Hot water, I saw no difference in cleanliness.<br /><br />We used to drain our hot water tank annually. Attach a rubber garden hose (or 2) to the bottom spout, trail the house out the door and go. You may be able to use the initial water to wash a car, if not water the garden. Eventually, rusty sediment will follow. This greatly extends the life of a hot water tank.CTMOMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04825780992878036362noreply@blogger.com