It is coming and no matter how hard I fight it is just a matter of time. I mean it is already September and around here it has been feeling like fall is in the air since mid-August. I seriously am not happy about this notion (as most already know from my lamenting), but I know I need to prepare, because before I know it, it will be winter and freezing out again.
When Denise Baynes approached me about doing a guest post about indeed how to prepare for the inevitable and saving a bit of money (ok we all know I am all about saving money), I thought I needed to let her share her great and invaluable tips with you.
Also, today my girls are meeting their pre-school teachers for a half-hour this morning and thought this would be a perfect day for Denise to share her tips with you, because I will definitely be a bit preoccupied with that. So, I am truly thankful for Denise’s help and expertise here on this Monday.
So without further ado, I am turning my blog over now today to Denise.
While it’s still summer in the northern hemisphere, time is ripe to start thinking about ways to prepare for the fall and winter. Now, this year I decided to take it seriously and purchase a few things which come in handy during the heating season. If you shop around, the amount you are able to save really adds up to quite a bit on your heating bill. So here’s my Top list of things to buy before the temperature drops to thirties.
- Get That Heat Moving. ~ Make the most use out of your central heating by using a ceiling fan. I got one of these from Westside Wholesale, and it was a real bargain. When in normal setting, a ceiling fan rotates counterclockwise, making the warm air go upwards. The trick is, if you set your ceiling fan to rotate in reverse direction (and that’s really easy to do), the air and heat will be moving downwards, making your place nice and snug!
- Go Tankless! ~ You know how much you spend on hot running water, and if your hot water consumption is really not that high, here’s a great way to save. I have a Bosch tankless water heater, and since we purchased it we’ve calculated our electric bill to be 50% less! Its major advantage compared to other water heating devices is the high efficiency, because it works on-demand only. A Bosch tankless water heater saves electric energy by operating whenever you need hot water, and switching off when you don’t. Also, the tankless water heater is able to accommodate all the members of your family, and you’ll never run out of hot water, ever. That’s really important for a big family, where several kids need to be washed and gotten ready for bed, at once. It doesn’t take up much space at all, too, and for a small bathroom like we have, it’s truly the best pick. You can buy one for your home from Westside Wholesale for less than $500.
- Dress Up Your Home and Your Family. ~ When you think about it, you can save so much of that precious energy just by dressing up your home in warmer garments, and see significantly lower numbers show up on your utility bill. Do you have thick curtains in your living rooms and bedrooms? If not, you might want to consider buying heavier ones, or just visiting a local garage sale to get a few used quilts on discount. You can easily fix those up on your windows using clothes pegs, so your house doesn’t lose as much heat in the nighttime. Now, make sure to open them up in the morning to allow natural sunlight to warm your place! Get some flannel linens and nice cozy pajamas for your family, too, so you won’t have to set your thermostat as high during the night.
- Get Your Own Fuel. ~ Having a fireplace or a wood-burning stove at home is a great way to save on central heating. Now, you don’t always have to buy your firewood, with just a little bit of effort you can find your own. For those folks who live in rural areas, you can just take a walk outside collecting fallen branches – a nice and free way to get fuel! Those living in more urban areas can get wooden pallets that lie unwanted outside of businesses and stores. You can generally get these for free, and the shop owners will be more than happy if you take them. Another great way to save is by buying logs, and splitting them yourself. It’s a nice family activity, and this way you can get the older boys engaged in a productive pastime, too.
- Don’t Forget About That Thermostat. ~ You can save quite a bit by buying a programmable thermostat, because you generally don’t need as much energy as you use. If everybody leaves for work and school in the morning, it’s wise to set the thermostat to automatically produce less heat during this time. Also, a programmable thermostat can start warming the place up some time before you come back from work. This way when everybody gets home, it’s nice and cozy, and livable. You can also buy one of these with a great discount on Westside Wholesale, and it will be delivered to you the same day. A great plus is that all purchases over $99 come with free shipping. Isn’t that a deal?
[Author Bio: This is a guest post by Denise Baynes, a single mother, a keen frugalist and proponent of early development in kids. Denise is into all things natural, and knows quite a bit of tricks on how to save wherever it’s possible.]
Weekly Giveaways~
To enter this past week’s giveaways that I have been a part of and had running on my page, please click here to enter all the rafflecopters. Thanks and good luck, too!!Still Time to Join My Blogiversary Celebration If You Haven’t~
Weekly Affiliate Offers (Always Check My Sidebar for More, Too!)~
-
Mabel’s Labels~
It’s canning season and Mabel’s Labels has the perfect product for you! Wash Away Labels are dissolvable and perfect for potluck dishes, bottles for daycare, frozen foods, containers of leftovers and of course canning jars! When no longer needed, simply pop in the dishwasher or under running water to rinse off. Organizing your canning jars has never been this easy! Be sure to shop Mabel’s Labels today. Happy Canning!
-
One King’s Lane~
Melissa and Doug at One Kings Lane until 9/10!: Starts Sunday, 9/8
A trusted name in child’s play, Melissa & Doug is synonymous with thoughtful, interactive, high-quality toys, beloved by parents and kids alike. This selection includes a wide range for toddlers and older kids, from colorful pull-alongs to crafts and puzzles, all made to keep little hands busy and brains engaged.
-
Blurb~
This year, use Blurb to make a small book for each of those relatives or good friends you want to say thank you to this Thanksgiving. Create your books now and give yourself more time to shop for Thanksgiving dinner! Blurb makes book making simple and from now through 9/9, get 15% off with the code: TAKE15!!
-
Hannah Anderson~
Up to 30% Off Kids & Baby Pre-Season Outerwear Plus More! Ends 9/22: Cozy up to early savings on pre-season outerwear for kids and baby beginning August 26! Shop fun new hannas, from very toasty savings on heaps of favorite jackets and snow gear, to supersoft micro-fleece pullovers and sweater hoodies. Save up to 30% off select dresses, cardigans and leggings for girls, to long-sleeve shirts and sweaters for boys. Hurry in and save before the first cold snap!
I Love My Post Blogiversary Giveaway~
This week, I am involved in I Love My Post’s Huge Blogiversary Giveaway. To enter this giveaway, please click here to enter the rafflecopter and also to linkup for the weekly blog hop, too. Thanks and good luck!!Blogging Design Needs~
Don’t forget to check out my web design company for specials running at J9 Designs for all your web design needs, plus we are now offering Paypal’s Bill Me Later, too!
Please Visit my Sponsor of The Month:
One Click Is All It Takes!!
massholemommy says
Our hot water heater is electric, so it doesn't use our precious home heating oil. Great tips.
My recent post The Discovery Museums
Janine Huldie says
That does help so much and so happy to be able to have this post to share today Robin!!! π
LisaAndAshley says
Such great, helpful tips! We definitely use the ceiling fan one, too! :)-Ashley
My recent post The Dose Girls’ First Blogiversary & Giveaway To Our Readers!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Ashley and glad that you could relate to some of this, especially the fan!! π
Janine Huldie says
Very true and valid points about if you don't have the money how can you do some of this to save. And will say I know what you mean there and do think the tips are helpful, but again you do need the money for some of these. And I know sometimes it is the last thing you would think, but putting extra clothes and layering does help. Thanks Lisa!! π
West Street Story says
Not going to lie, it was a little hard to feel "fall" with a high of 90 today (in Wisconsin where the cold WILL eventually come). We have an older home and therefore have water heat registers. One thing we do once the heat is turned on to try and to try and keep some moisture in our house is to lay damp towels over the top of the registers to serve as humidifiers. It works great! Just make sure to dampen the towel again before it gets too crispy.
My recent post 102 free fall printables
Janine Huldie says
Well yesterday was 85 degrees here, but today it is only going up to 70, but then back up into the 80s for the rest of the week. No complaints here by any means, but thank you seriously for sharing your tip. Sounds like a great one and may need to try, too!! π
MelChi says
Reading this made me ever so grateful that we've got summer around the corner coming here to us… yipeee! I swear I'd be more excited if we had snow in winter, then again I suppose if you're used to it, it's not much of a big deal. Plus it's probably 10 x colder there than what it is here!
My recent post Franschhoek Uncorked – Wine Tasting and Lavenders for Africa…
Janine Huldie says
I know Summer is right around the corner for you and yay!! But you know how much I hate the winter and cold. Not going to lie, but definitely not my favorite time of the year by any means!! Yet all that know me know this and yes I do a lot of complaining during this time for sure, lol!!
Blond Duck says
We're getting a generator for our next house– when it gets cold here the power can go off for days!
My recent post Becoming a Pike
Janine Huldie says
We totally purchased a generator, because after last year with Hurricane Sandy, we were not chancing that again. So right there with you on this one!!
dishofdailylife says
Great tips…we use the ceiling fan and we have a wood burning stove that we purchased last year…it saved us quite a bit. I also make sure everyone dresses warm in the house because we are not turning up the heat!
My recent post Laugh Out Loud Funny Blogs to Brighten Your Day
Janine Huldie says
Thank you for sharing Michelle and I know I always say layer and I am not putting the heat up either if I don't have to!!
Billybuc says
All good suggestions. We are having one more blast of heat this week, but the evenings are definitely cooler and there is no doubt winter is coming soon. Thanks for the tips and have a great day.
Janine Huldie says
My pleasure Bill and we will also have a bit of heat wave for a few days here, too. But you are right the nights are definitely cooler and fall is here and winter is definitely coming. Have a great day now!
tamaralikecamera says
I'm so sad that we already have to think about this! Boo! And it dipped down to 37 here last night. WTH? They are great tips – I'm happy to say we've been employing more and more of them since we started really looking at our utility bills from the last two years. Yikes. Thanks for this!
My recent post Ask Away Friday with Brittnei from HomeMaking with Style.
Janine Huldie says
Totally happy to share this and I know I was a bit depressed having to even begin to think about this. And last night it was 50 at night, which I know isn't too bad, but still definitely way cooloer then it was only a few short weeks ago!
NuggetOnABudget says
I'm back! Lol. Or at least making an attempt at it. My prime blogging time is in the mornings and E tends to be the fussiest during that time. And then of course if she's sleeping I feel bad not spending time with Sofia. But you know how it is!
These are some great tips for the cold weather months. Last year, with it being so cold for so long, our electricity bills were super high. So this year I'm definitely looking for ways to reduce those bills. I like the tip of "dressing up your home for winter" by using curtains and such. Thanks for sharing this post Janine and hope that you had a wonderful weekend! xoxo
My recent post calling all baby-wearing mamas!
Janine Huldie says
Yay and so happy to see you back. I took the girls to meet the teachers today at pre-school and I am now catching up a bit with comments and blogging, too. But I totally know how it is, but made my morning to see you here for sure!!! And happy to share and I love the idea of dressing up with curtains and stuff, too, because I really just love to have an excuse to decorate!! π
NuggetOnABudget says
Awe so fun that you took the girls to meet their teachers! That must have been fun ~ when do they start school? Glad to be back and commenting again…trying to get in a few things while Sofia naps and hoping E stays sleeping a while longer too!
Janine Huldie says
It as fun for them and they were so excited. Lily wanted to go last year and has been patiently waiting. They actually start tomorrow and I am a little lost with the thought, but then again I gain 2 1/2 hours of quiet time in the afternoon. And sounds like you got a decent schedule going and somewhat similar to what I had when Emma was napping when Lily was a baby and would be sleeping, too. Remember those times well and was definitely able to get some stuff done at that point, too!!!
Dana says
Great tips! I spend most of the winter all bundled up in my house – partly to keep costs down, and partly because I'm the only one in my house who is always cold!
My recent post Things I wish I didn’t know
Janine Huldie says
Dana, another thing we have in common, because I am always cold in the winter months. One of the huge reasons, I hate it, because I don't like to be cold. But so happy to share and really do hope these help you and others, too now!! π
Rosey says
Lots of great tips here, I think the ceiling fan one is my favorite. π
My recent post Southern Pleasures & Kitchen Treasures (Giveaway)
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Rosey and with you got to love that ceiling fan!!! π
Ruchira says
Great tips.
gotta be prepared for the heat π
I like to pull the curtains to avoid the heating of the rooms.
voted for ya!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Ruchira and we do the same with the curtains, too!! π
cgacad says
these are fantastic tips for saving money! luckily in california we don't have the drastic weather changes, but we can still benefit from each of these great tips!
Janine Huldie says
I wish we had more Californian type winters here. But even still so happy to share these tips with you, Catherine!! π
mommifried says
Great tips! I woke up freezing today and realized that summer is officially over. Time for wood season!
My recent post Striking a balance is overrated…one blogger mom comes clean! (Guest Post)
Janine Huldie says
I know it was chili here too Crystal. Unfortunately, we don’t have a fire place, but if we did I agree it would be time for it for sure. And couldn’t agree more!! π
Karen says
great tips…we have special curtains that block out heat in the summer and cold in the winter. I never tried the ceiling fan approach…but that is smart. Don't forget door blockers…we lose so much heat under our doors, so we put the blockers or long pillows in front of teh doors on the floor to keep the heat in. We have an electric fireplace that uses little energy and heats up the living room. We also have small energy saving electric heaters…they are very safe and keep the place toasty warm…but I LOVE The fresh, chilly air since I am always hot.
My recent post RAVIOLI LASAGNA
Janine Huldie says
You are so right about the door blockers and we totally use them. The girls room has a door leading out of it to the backyard and it get a draft for sure, so we have been using them for the last few years now. But I am so not a fan of the chilly air, because I am the opposite and always cold. Thanks Karen!! π
lsdavidson says
Great tips! I'm going to use the ceiling fan one – we have fans in 3 rooms already – so I'm looking forward to trying it! We change the temp during the day depending on who is home. Works really well to save a bit!
My recent post Lighthouses and Quote of the Week
Janine Huldie says
I can totally see that working really well and happy you can use the ceiling fan tip, too. Thanks Leah!! π
Eddy says
Another very useful post Janine sorry I've haven't been on here for a while time gets taken up elsewhere at times. Take care and look forward to catching up with you.
Eddy.
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Eddy and no worries, I have a feeling I will be in and out today with my girls starting pre-school. So, I know the feeling, too. Trust me!! Enjoy your day now!! π
Nellie says
These are really awesome tips!! I especially love the ceiling fan idea and the programmable thermostat. I've been meaning to buy one since I bought my house–3 years ago! lol thanks for the reminder and great post!
My recent post Oh How I #LoveThisCity, Let Me Count The Ways! #MC
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Nellie and we do have the programmable thermostat and must say it has truly been a godsend and so much easier to use, too.
gigigirl says
Very good tips and not hard to follow. Thanks. gigigirl
Janine Huldie says
My pleasure and thank you Aunt Gloria!! π xoxo!!