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Compiled by Thess Lunzaga
During these hard times, even dollar-earning families feel the escalating costs of basic commodities. We don’t save as much as we have been saving in the past. So, cutting down on even the smallest costs will make us reap big benefits. We have put together various ideas that will run your household smoothly and efficiently, even on a tight budget.
Here are the ways :
TELEPHONE !
1. Get a direct dial service and you will spend only 40 % less compared to operator-assisted calls.
2. As you usually call overseas, put a timer on the telephone table to time your call.
3. Make your overseas call between 9 pm and 7 am and on Sundays when lower rates are charged
4. List down all you need to say before starting a phone call.
5. Be vigilant and always check on your phone bill statements for errors. Calendar your long distance calls to check slip-ups on your bills and if the entries on your calendar are too close, that means you are calling too often.
LIGHTINGS !
6. Don’t waste electricity. When you are not using your appliances, turn them off.
7. Get energy-saving light bulbs. These bulbs cost a little higher than the regular ones but they last much longer. They also cast a softer light.
8. Iron clothes only once a week or twice a week. Ironing a few pieces daily is not energy-efficient.
REF-TIPS!
9. An empty freezer uses more energy that a full freezer. Tip: Fill plastic containers like ice cream containers with water, then put them at the bottom of large freezers. You will save energy , have ice reserves and have water in case of emergencies.
10. When preparing for a meal, get all the ingredients you need at one time at the refrigerator. Opening the refrigerator over and over again lets too much cold air to escape. This will waste energy and speed up food spoilage.
11. Fill the empty spaces of your refrigerator with inflated plastic bags. This will keep the cold air trapped inside the bag, preventing it from pouring out with every door opening.
USING-UP ENERGIES !
12. If you have extension cords that are the of octopus-type, don’t keep all the switches on all the time. This uses up electricity even if you are not using any electrical equipments.
13. When boiling or simmering food, keep the lid on to keep the heat in. Turn the stove off only in the last few minutes of cooking. The trapped heat will continue doing its job, and you’ll save gas.
STAY COOL !
14. If you are using an old air conditioner, get rid of it! It is most likely to be defective an inefficient !
15. So the cool air does not escape, ensure to keep the doors of air-conditioned rooms closed.
16. Get only a one-horsepower airconditioner.
17. When buying air-conditioners, take the one with a higher Energy Efficient Ratio. The higher the number, the more expensive the unit will be but it is more energy-saving.
SAVE WATER !
18. Repair faucet leaks immediately!
19. Do not leave the water running when brushing your teeth. Ensure to use a cup of water.
20. Install a “half-flush” in your toilet bowl. It saves water and money in the long run.
21. Wash clothes in bigger volumes every other day or three times a week.
22. Use a pail of water when cleaning the car. A hose wastes too much water.
SUPERMARKET DEALS !
23. Weekly grocery visits is more economical. Going there more than once a week will only make you buy more unnecessary items.
24. Make a list before going to the grocery store so you don’t overload your cart.
25. Practice comparative shopping, Don’t pick the first brand you see without checking the prices of other brands.
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