Faith Farm

more living-cheap tips

 Where we live summer heat can be a huge problem (hard to think about that in this weather), so we decided when building the roof , A white roof was an obvious solution. If you are replacing a roof, using a white or reflective roofing surface will reduce your heat load on the house. If you are not reroofing, coating the existing roof with a white elastomeric paint is a cost-effective measure in some climates.  Now be sure to get a roof quality elastomeric paint-a white latex paint won't do.  Keep in mind this is for hot climates-if you live in a cold climate-it's the reverse.  We also used this on the barns.  It is amazing the difference this one step made.  Now I realize white roofs aren't very pretty-but the energy savings were worth it.

Our winters here are usually mild (we have ice storms and an occasional bitter week or two), so our answer to heating was simple.  We installed a wood burning stove.  This works out perfectly for us.  We have plenty of trees to provide the fuel, so our only cost is the labor and gas for the chainsaws.  We heated with propane for years before we moved and it was very costly.  Make sure when you purchase your stove that it is effecient in burning wood.  We found a used Ashley stove that someone was getting rid of- so it only cost us the pipe and fireboard to put it on.  You want to get the most out of your wood so the longer burning time and heat retention the better off you are.  There are alot of really great stoves to choose from.

Appliances---Yes we love our appliances--but if your running an old appliance 10+ years on AC power you are paying about double what you would with a new Energy Star appliance.  Consider replacing your old appliances with a smaller more effecient model.  I got rid of my dishwasher-no, I'm not talking about the kids-lol.  I started washing dishes by hand.  Made a difference in the KWH our house used.  I also have come to appreciate doing the dishes-Everyone vanishes at dish time-quite and peaceful time to plan and pray.  I still have my washing machine and I am holding on to it with desperate fingers-I plan on setting up a wash station on the back porch when it is finished-but even then-it's gonna be hard to give up-maybe I won't.  My DH just finished my new solar clothes dryer-It's a nice long clothes line on the south side of the house.  I really don't mind using it at all.  Big savings around this house-the electric dryer ran all the time.  Use power strips to avoid phantom power useage on things you don't use often.  Almost all electrical items pull a small amount of power even when not in use-no big deal until you walk around your house and find 15-20 devices pulling power without need.  If you don't want to put them on a strip-unplug them.

Get creative-there is alot of options to make the most out of your money.  Hope this is helpful to someone!  Have a blessed day!

Thanks!!!

{ 12:30, Tuesday, December 11, 2007 } { Posted by maa }

Thank you for sharing that information. I did not know that about the roof thing.
I found your post very helpful! Thanks!!!
God Bless,
Belle

Untitled Comment

{ 01:06, Tuesday, December 11, 2007 } { Posted by rildapeel1 }

I enjoyed reading your posts! Very informative. Just was wondering what the power strips are you mentioned? It is possible to live in a impossible world so we must make wise decisions. We have to get creative and learn about another way so we can not only survive but THRIVE. Thanks! *U*

Power strips

{ 03:13, Tuesday, December 11, 2007 } { Posted by faithfarm }

The power strips are the multi-plug w/fuse, surge protector power strips. It makes it as easy as flipping a switch to turn on/off your gadgets. Keep in mind they do not work as a surge protector if they are off. You can find them in alot of places, hardware stores and retail chains. They can be expensive or really cheap...I mostly just get the cheap ones because of what I use them for.