Tip: DIY to save on your electric bill!
by
Dee
+15
I don’t know if you would call this a cleaning tip. But it will save you money and won’t clean out your wallet. And it is two tips in one.
It is hot here in Texas. I do not have the money to replace my windows, for more than 25 thousand dollars plus.
To save on my electric bill, I went to JoAnn’s fabric store with a half off coupon and purchased insulating black out fabric.
I measured the windows and added 5 inches for a top hem. Bottom and side hems are not necessary with this tip because fabric is sturdy. I folded down the top hem and sewed a straight line. I think you could use stitch witchery and not have to sew at all.
I went to Home Depot and bought ¾ inch EMT electrical conduit for under $3.00 Had HD cut conduit to size of window [they do it for free]. Used a closet rod end cap and attached to the inside of the window jam as close to the window as I could. Yes the room is dark, BUT this keeps the heat out and I sleep much better in a dark room. My electric bill went down $25 a month.
Second tip is to use conduit for drapery rods, cheap and you can add any kind of finial that you want on the ends. You can spray paint the conduit in colors, you can get thicker sizes, but a large rod for 100 inch window will cost under $5.00.
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This is brilliant! Thank you!
Great tips! It gets real hot where I live too and am saving to have the windows replaced and this will be a great quick fix until I can get them done. Thanks!
Don't know what size house you live in but that sounds wasaaaay high for windows. Do they have Window World where you live? For about $200.00 a piece you could have your windows replaced. Also you do not have to do all of them at one time. You could do maybe a couple at a time until you get them done.
Couldn't you use a spring-loaded shower curtain rod instead?
Yes you can use a spring rod, but I needed one 100 inches and they are not cheap. Using conduit was very reasonable.
Very smart!
your very smart when it comes to diy and saving money! im the same way.
If you work shift work or straight mids, they would be great just to get some sleep, I know. You are a great help and a genius. Thanks you very much.
great idea !! i will def use this technique in the hot weather in the northeast !!