Wednesday 25 April 2012

Getting costs down!

I do not even know where to start with this one.

     Last week we received our Gas and Electricity statement for the last 12 months. I nearly fainted to see that each month every month for the last year we have spent just over £50 a month on each. £1,234.80 for both combined. Now
     I expect, realistically, that this isn't THAT much but for a family of 3 on a tight budget it is quite alot! I know that I use my tumble dryer far to much, have the heating when I feel like it and am just generally a bit slack on trying to keep costs down.
      I am now making it my mission to cut this bill by about £250 across the next year. By this time next year I would like to see that we have topped up our meters with less than £1000. It's a big jump. But I think if I am clever I can do it! So lots of things I need to try out.

  • I already use energy saving light bulbs. We just need to keep the light off when we don't need them.
  • Use the tumble dryer ALOT less.
  • Stop doing washing in the evening. I often do a load in the evening. It washes and I'm so wrapped up in uni work or watching the soaps (I know, terrible person) I often forget to take it out to dry. This usually means me re-washing it in the morning wasting electricity, water and detergents.
  • I do the same with the kettle. I switch it on, get distracted and often forget I ever wanted a hot drink.
  • Showering quicker. May have to consider shaving my legs the old fashioned towel on the floor/sink with water - kind of way. I expect over the course of the year this will save a bit on Electricity, gas and water as it will cut down my showering time by a minute or two.
I am sure there are lots of other ways I could save money on my utility bills. If you have any hints and tips feel free to comment below.

6 comments:

  1. I was watching a programme about our future homes on CH4 the other day and saw a little gadget called a Water Pebble. You put it in the bottom of the bath/shower and it will flash at you to tell you when to get out. I think it reduces it by a couple of minutes after a little while too. I use my tumble dryer far too often. Even on a sunny breezy day. :/ The washing machine is so much closer to the tumble dryer than the back door! ha!

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    1. I saw this episode Jules. It is what inspired me to buy a UV wand! I haven't gotten used to using it yet but I did get it for an absolute bargain! I'm on a mission to get my house a good 80% chemical free and more efficiently ran by the end of this year. Hopefully helping the environment and my purse!

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  2. Getting DH to turn the lights off is a battle in this house! Honestly it's like Blackpool Illuminations some nights!

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    1. Lol! We are in a habit of leaving the bathroom light on upstairs for C at night. May have to find an alternative!

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  3. I put the washing on when I am watching telly then before going to bed I put it in the tumble dryer . I too used to forget till the morning but I put a timer on my phone and it's working so far :-)

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    1. That's a brilliant idea. I am currently longing for summer days so I can hang the washing outside but for miserable days like today the phone alarm it shall be!

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