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What alternative energy is will save you $$$'s this winter?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with WHISPERING PINES REALTY 20398180

Up in our area, recently there has been a push on the small space heaters run by electric.  Some make claims that they only cost a dollar a day to run.  A friend said that she was able to heat her kitchen and dinning room with one of these units.    But the rest of the house was with the propane furnace.  She said she saved some money, but now had this box in the way all the time.

Another person was buying wood to burn.  After the end of the year...He had paid 30% more for wood than propane.

Some research is needed when choosing alternative fuels.  Check with your current companies for discounts and check with other energy experts for energy comparisons.  Wood, is cheaper if you have the wood close by and don't have to pay for it.  Electric is cheaper if you go off peak, but more expensive if you run space heaters.

Do your research before investing many dollars to save only a few!

This load cost me nothing for the wood, $6 for gas and about 3 hours of my spare time.  I will save about $50 in propane.

Think it out.  There is also some wear and tear on machinery.  Get help deciding if the switch is worth the time and investment.

Comments (9)

Don Rogers
Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield - O'Fallon, MO
Realtor, Broker, CDPE, GRI, OnullFallon MO & St Charles County MO homes

This is sorta like my wife coupon shopping and driving from store to store to save money.  I had to tell her to stop saving me money I can't afford it.

We do need to do aour research before we go out and buy some of these items.

Sep 27, 2009 01:07 PM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Bill...

You are so right! Sometimes saving money can be very expensive!

Sep 27, 2009 01:11 PM
Jim Frimmer
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

I've found that if one has a large house, space heaters in individual rooms are the way to go. Close the doors, turn off the central air conditioning system, and just heat the room that you'll be in. I was able to cut our winter utility bill in half by not running the central heating system. It took a little while for me to get used to having all the doors closed, but when it comes to a couple of hundred dollars a month in utility costs, it's worth the inconvenience of having to open and close doors all the time.

Sep 27, 2009 01:15 PM
James K Barath, CMPS
Canopy Mortgage, LLC - Crown Point, IN
FICO Pro, Certified Military Housing Specialist

We still live by the words of my grandma. If you feel that it is too cool in the house, throw on another layer of clothing or thicker clothing. I personally have resorted to this in recent years as I am normally walking around the house in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. This option does not cost any money to implement.

Sep 27, 2009 01:27 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Don...I agree.

Richard...A deal isn't always a deal.

Jim...even without space heaters, if you are not using a room, close off the heat and keep the doors shut will save money.

James...This is something that I do at times also.

Sep 27, 2009 02:18 PM
Randi Brammer
Randi Brammer, Acctg. - Hinckley, MN
Accountant & Tax Preparer

Bill, many times the savings don't out weight the time and effort.  I have even seen times when it cost much more!

Sep 27, 2009 02:33 PM
Vern Eaton
Askov, MN
Realtor 651-674-7449

Bill, I also burn a lot of wood.  but it does not pay if you have to buy very much.

Sep 27, 2009 03:02 PM
JL Boney, III
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate

I see a lot of people make the mistake of thinking that they are saving money when they are really not.

Sep 28, 2009 01:09 PM
Vern Eaton
Askov, MN
Realtor 651-674-7449

Bill, many people I know have gone to the corn stoves.  There are a lot of these people who I have talked with are saying...they aren't worth the hassel.

Sep 29, 2009 01:58 AM