Reducing My Utilities Bills: January 2010

All about ways I am trying to reduce my utilities bills in particular my electric bill. I am looking to exchange ideas successes/failures to help others. I would like to save on electric, gas, telephone, gasoline and water...
I want the ideas mostly to be DIY although many larger ones may not be. So, even people with a very modest budget can help themselves financially (save money), help the country be more energy independent and help the environment in a cost effective manner.
I am occasionally venting at the politics on both sides of the spectrum and what they are doing to make it harder for many families to do things that save them money and help the environment.
Also I am trying to promote energy independence for the United States as good for the country, the enviroment and the people. But, I want it done in a way that does not punish hard working people and families. I want to start with my own home and my long term goal is to not pay any utilies bills for my home and produce enough extra to pay me to cover additional costs and CO2. To make that reasonably possible I am working to reduce my family's power use while maintaining a good standard of living. Showing that good family economics and and the enviroment can work together well.

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Summary of progress

Estimated saving last year...

2011
- New Kitchen Fridge
2010, 2009
- Kept Gas and Electric and Water at 2008 levels or slightly below
- Only big investment was in flooring (not directly utilities based)
Money invested $200 in 2008

2008 vs 2007
- Electric $724+.
- Gas Offset all the increases in 2008 - 15% usage reduction
- Water $90
Money invested $200 in 2008

2007 vs 2006
- Electric $3000+.
- Telephone $1000+.
- Gas Offset all the increases in 2007
- Gasoline $750
- Water $700
Money invested $551 (Excluding fridge) in 2007
- ROI 55% or more per mo in 2007
- ROI 35% or more per mo in 2008
Total Progress (since 3/07)
- 100% reduction in household CO2/reduction for normal outdoor lighting (all solar outdoor lighting).
- 100% conversion to CFLs or LEDs (except appliance lights).
- 45% of all lights are attached to an occupancy sensor switches (auto off/manual on).
- 45% reduction in household CO2/reduction power
- 45% reduction in auto CO2/reduction in gasoline use (would have been more but my commute has grown)
- 25% average reduction in water usage

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January 2010

January 28, 2010

This last week was pumbing week. The dripping tub faucet started to drip faster (non-repairable). So, we replaced it and took care of all the known plumbing issues. Over the holidays we had a kid triggered accidentaly flood in one of our bathrooms (carpeted and upstairs). Only southern California would the builders carpet a bathroom.

I did the drywall repair and replaced the insulation in the garage where the water damage was.

Next week it tile week we are replacing all the toilets and tiling ALL the bathrooms. This will save use water and improve the house (better and more efficient toilets).

Note, the contractors and warehouse stores are hungry for business so you can negociate with them for really good pricing.

After this the new kitchen fridge.

Aaron

Posted on January 28, 2010 at 08:36 PM in Energy Savings | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Reducing My Utilities Bills

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January 2010

January 28, 2010

Bye bye drips...