Best painless "stretching things" budget tips?

[sunshine1178]

Do you mean the press n' seal saran? Do you think it would help to redirect heat/ac in to other areas.

At my business one room is extremely hot while the other is cold as the dickens in the winter. When I had the furnace repair person out he said it was set up "lopsided" & the majority of the vents are in the hot room. He said I could cover the vents to redirect the air. I'm just wondering if the press n' seal would do the trick. I'd rather us something less noticeable than a giant piece of cardboard!

Hardware stores often sell magnetic vent covers. They're a giant, thin magnet, cut to the size of your vent. They stick to the metal really well, and are a little classier than cardboard, and a little more durable than plastic wrap (if they are going on floor vents.)

 

[Tarheel Tink]

We have several in the wall AC units. Do you think this would work as well as the clear stuff they put on to insulate windows (which I usually use to cover the inside of the AC units)?

Major head thump to DH and I for putting it on the OUTSIDE of the vent. I read your post, stared at DH and we both chuckled in shame. DUH! So, we reapplied to inside of vent cover.

 

[MELSMICE]

Hardware stores often sell magnetic vent covers. They're a giant, thin magnet, cut to the size of your vent. They stick to the metal really well, and are a little classier than cardboard, and a little more durable than plastic wrap (if they are going on floor vents.)

They are actually ceiling vents. It is a dropped ceiling with the heating ducts running through that.

 

[pampam]

Hardware stores often sell magnetic vent covers. They're a giant, thin magnet, cut to the size of your vent. They stick to the metal really well, and are a little classier than cardboard, and a little more durable than plastic wrap (if they are going on floor vents.)

Often you can get those large sheets of magnet at the $store. Just cut in half and cover 2 vents for a buck. I find them in the craft aisle.

 

[pampam]

bump

 

[poohguys]

I did not get to read all of the way thru so sorry if these are repeats:

It is starting to get a little late in the season for this, but all summer we turn off the oil burner when we are not using it, only turn it on for showers, dishes to fill washer etc. We just got a new oil tank with a gauge and it has not gone down much. The gauge will also allow us to better see when we will need oil and to shop for the best price.

We will put the plastic on the windows to help insulate it an other month or so.

Wear sweaters instead of turning up the heat.

In the warmer months pull the curtains to keep the heat out, When it starts to get cold open them to let the sun in to heat the house.

We have a well which I don't like drinking the water from and have been buying bottled water, but we are installing a reverse osmisis filter so that we can stop buying bottled water. Also bought Sigg water bottles to take along instead if using plastic bottles.

 

[Grendalynn]

SO......Has anyone tried my advise on making Sangria with the boxed wine?? Could you tell any difference (except a heavier purse??) ?

I have made it myself before... It was a few years back, but I think I bought either White Zin or cheepo Sangria, and then added sliced lemons, limes, strawberrys and Grapefruit or soemthing along those lines, some 100% red berrry juice and a bit of bubbly water... it was VERY tasty and I got many compliments, Not sure how authentic it was, but it was YUM-O!!

 

[Angel16]

This a wonderful thread which is in need of a BUMP

 

[semo233]

Let me offer a boost too....

 

[SGMCO]

Thanks Everyone!! I've been using all of the Great Money Saving Hints
and have saved a Lot!!
I have really liked making my own Laundry Detergent and have told
others about it. Our family has degerent allergies and can't use
the detergents with perfumes or color and the homemade version
has not cause any problems with our allergies and cleans great.

I have only spent $12.50 on supplies and have been using it since
July. I still have plenty supplies left to last for quiet awhile, I'm estimating
it may cost me $24.00 for the whole year for landry Detergent.

I have purchased the Downy Ball and filled it with Vineger (Works Great!!)

Also, I have purchased a pack of 2 laundry balls(these balls work great in
the dryer-I only have to put my dryer on lowest setting to dry a large batch of Towels). These laundy Balls were a great buy at Walmart for $5.00.
The Ballls were also great for drying comforters in no time.

I would love more money saving ideas!!!
If you have a money saving idea--I would love to hear it!!!
Please post your money Saving ideas!!!!!!!!

 

[RichNKatHolly]

Thanks Everyone!! I've been using all of the Great Money Saving Hints
and have saved a Lot!!
I have really liked making my own Laundry Detergent and have told
others about it. Our family has degerent allergies and can't use
the detergents with perfumes or color and the homemade version
has not cause any problems with our allergies and cleans great.

I have only spent $12.50 on supplies and have been using it since
July. I still have plenty supplies left to last for quiet awhile, I'm estimating
it may cost me $24.00 for the whole year for landry Detergent.

I have purchased the Downy Ball and filled it with Vineger (Works Great!!)

Also, I have purchased a pack of 2 laundry balls(these balls work great in
the dryer-I only have to put my dryer on lowest setting to dry a large batch of Towels). These laundy Balls were a great buy at Walmart for $5.00.
The Ballls were also great for drying comforters in no time.

I would love more money saving ideas!!!
If you have a money saving idea--I would love to hear it!!!
Please post your money Saving ideas!!!!!!!!

Oh, I'd love to know more about those balls!! Really, do they shorten the drying time? How?

Congrats on your savings by the way!

 

[StillPinballFamily]

Hey - glad this thread is still going strong!

I've got another one...my kids hate crusts on their sandwiches. (Homemade white whole wheat bread, too - the little snots!) So, I cut it off. But after months and months of tossing out the crusts and the heels of the bread (without preservatives, it doesn't keep more than two days), I got inspired by you folks and have been tossing these bits and chunks into the freezer.

I began making homemade croutons last week and practically have a factory going now! I've been giving away bags of croutons to friends and teachers - and they love them. I never used to buy croutons for our daily salads - they were just too pricey. But, these are yummy and are practically free. I cut up the stale/frozen bread into cubes and drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil and then just toss a few cents worth of dried or powdered herbs on them and bake until toasted/lightly browned. I bake them whenever I've already got something in the oven, so I don't heat it up just to do the croutons. Takes seconds to prepare and I'm now eating healthier - more salads now just to try and keep up with the croutons! (DD 18 also grabs handfuls of the croutons and eats them out of hand - she says they are much better than crackers or other quick snack.)

 

[minnie1928]

I thought of this the other day...several months ago I purchase small juice size glasses to use when we are brushing our teeth. I bought 6 for .99 each. Now I don't have to buy the disposable cups to throw them away! The glasses are small enough that I can always fit them into that day's dishwasher load. And, since I have 6 I don't have to worry about running out if some are being washed.

Someone mentioned dryer balls above. I have a set as well and think that they do make a difference. I've stopped using fabric softener and replaced it with vinegar. Between the vinegar and the balls I've saved a ton of money and the clothes are no worse for the wear. My picky DH doesn't even know that I'm not using fabric softener any more! However, I sometimes throw an old dryer sheet for towels...just to kick it up a notch. Most loads I run through the dryer for 20 minutes and let them hang dry the rest. Its easier on the clothes, adds humidity to the house and keeps the electric and gas bills lower.

 

[SGMCO]

Oh, I'd love to know more about those balls!! Really, do they shorten the drying time? How?

Congrats on your savings by the way!

These Laundry balls are located in the Home section of Walmart.
The Balls come in a pack of 2. They are hard with little spikes/nubs that are rounded. These balls bounce around in your dryer, fluffing the fabric so that it will dry quicker. I have a setting on my dryer for Regular Fabrics and set the
knob on the (less dry choice) which is the least amount of dryer time.
Most all I've put in the dryer have dryed on this amount of time (with the exception of heavy jeans). The Jeans were only slightly damp by the waist
so I just took them out and hung them to dry the rest of the way.
My DS said he did not know that the dryer was a Boy.

 

[onebright1]

bump

 

[RichNKatHolly]

These Laundry balls are located in the Home section of Walmart.
The Balls come in a pack of 2. They are hard with little spikes/nubs that are rounded. These balls bounce around in your dryer, fluffing the fabric so that it will dry quicker. I have a setting on my dryer for Regular Fabrics and set the
knob on the (less dry choice) which is the least amount of dryer time.
Most all I've put in the dryer have dryed on this amount of time (with the exception of heavy jeans). The Jeans were only slightly damp by the waist
so I just took them out and hung them to dry the rest of the way.
My DS said he did not know that the dryer was a Boy.

Sounds like something my DS would say too! Thank you for the info. I'll give 'em a roll!

 

[Kycha]

Hey - glad this thread is still going strong!

I've got another one...my kids hate crusts on their sandwiches. (Homemade white whole wheat bread, too - the little snots!) So, I cut it off. But after months and months of tossing out the crusts and the heels of the bread (without preservatives, it doesn't keep more than two days), I got inspired by you folks and have been tossing these bits and chunks into the freezer.

I began making homemade croutons last week and practically have a factory going now! I've been giving away bags of croutons to friends and teachers - and they love them. I never used to buy croutons for our daily salads - they were just too pricey. But, these are yummy and are practically free. I cut up the stale/frozen bread into cubes and drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil and then just toss a few cents worth of dried or powdered herbs on them and bake until toasted/lightly browned. I bake them whenever I've already got something in the oven, so I don't heat it up just to do the croutons. Takes seconds to prepare and I'm now eating healthier - more salads now just to try and keep up with the croutons! (DD 18 also grabs handfuls of the croutons and eats them out of hand - she says they are much better than crackers or other quick snack.)

I do the same thing with leftover bread and the heels of the bread. Then I use the croutons at Thanksgiving and Christmas time for my stuffing.

These Laundry balls are located in the Home section of Walmart.
The Balls come in a pack of 2. They are hard with little spikes/nubs that are rounded. These balls bounce around in your dryer, fluffing the fabric so that it will dry quicker. I have a setting on my dryer for Regular Fabrics and set the
knob on the (less dry choice) which is the least amount of dryer time.
Most all I've put in the dryer have dryed on this amount of time (with the exception of heavy jeans). The Jeans were only slightly damp by the waist
so I just took them out and hung them to dry the rest of the way.
My DS said he did not know that the dryer was a Boy.

I use tennis balls instead. Same concept. It especially helps when you dry large items like comforters and sheets. My dryer isn't large enough for the items to really tumble around. So, big items would always be wet in the middle. When I use the tennis balls, it keeps stuff moving around and allows it to dry quicker.

Just an FYI, if you do use tennis balls, they lose there bounciness once they've been in the drier.

 

[crl]

Thanks for the tennis balls trick. Sounds like after I'm done using them in the drier, my dog can have them to play fetch with!

 

[ashleydean]

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