What’s a frugal habit that saves you more money than people expect?

[msc545]

In hot weather, I cut my electricity bill in half by running ceiling fans backward, which is surprisingly effective and uses very little electricity compared to AC.

[Georgia001]

This is a great idea! Ceiling fans are truly underrated. Properly utilizing airflow can save a ton of electricity. I've also found that using curtains and timed window openings is even more effective in the summer.

[Sevenpointfive]

Go shopping for non-perishable items. Stuff you really, really want. And then go put them back justifying why you can't afford to buy that item. I usually end up with something.

[Sevenpointfive]

you should look into the poor man's air conditioning. water, ice, cooler and a fan. it only sounds like an electrocution about to happen. it's safe-ish.

[ProbablyClueless]

Wait, how do you run a ceiling fan backward?

My frugal habit is owning my own espresso machine. Also, I almost never eat boxed cereals.

[msc545]

Most ceiling fans have a control panel or remote that allows the direction to be reversed and the speed to be changed.

[exitseven]

I take most of my showers at the gym. Half of your heating bill goes for hot water. I figure i save 20-25 % by showering at the gym.

[DreamCrescent]

if it’s a tankless water heater or if it’s the old kind?

[exitseven]

@DreamCrescent It is a oil fired burner with 6 zones and one zone is for hot water. It has a tank which i have insulated. i also insulated all my heat and hot water pipes. It does save money.

[Staximus]

Oil fired water heater? What is this, 1927?

[exitseven]

@Staximus It is a new high efficiency Energy Star rated oil burner made in USA.

[Staximus]

Do you live in an area where natural gas is not available or something?

[exitseven]

@Staximus Yes, my street does not have gas. However even if there was i would not want it. I had gas in my old house. Every time the furnace turned on it sounded like s bomb going off in the basement. I finally shut the furnace off and got a wood stove and cut my own firewood.

[DrPepper12]

Coupons, stick to the list, leftovers are just fine!!