I honestly can't remember the last time we used our propane stove. It was either during a dinner party or while we were boon-docking. In either case, it has been at least a couple of years since we used gas to cook in the RV. Now we use an induction cooktop, which has so many advantages. You save money when you use a campground's electricity, rather than your propane. Adding an extra … [Read more...]
Should I Use a Programmable Thermostat?
The easiest way to save heating dollars is to lower the temperature setting on your house thermostat, when possible. As a general rule, you will save 2 percent on your heating bill for every 2°F you turn down the thermostat overnight. Programmable thermostats have electronic timers that allow you to preset household temperatures for specific periods of the day and night. In a typical … [Read more...]
TED5000: Save Money with the Energy Detective
The TED 5000-G Energy Detective helps you save your energy dollars by monitoring your energy use and showing where, how and when you are consuming electricity. The Ted Has several components 2 current transformers that go on your main supply cables; a measuring transmitting unit (MTU) that measures current and voltage then transmits this information to the gateway via your house wiring; the … [Read more...]
Can You Get it Cheaper on eBay?
This is Ros. Ed is one of the sharpest people I know when it comes to getting really good deals online and one of the places from which he buys most frequently is eBay. Here's an example showing a list of solar panels currently available on eBay. Compare those prices with what you find elsewhere (eg. Amazon) before you order. Looking for another product? Simply type what you want into the form … [Read more...]
Goodbye to the Gas-Guzzling Mercedes 500SL
Yes, it's true. I GAVE my 500SL (an AMG version no less) away over Christmas. I donated it to the automotive program at Okanagan College in Kelowna. My reasons were many-fold. We needed the space it was taking up in the garage for Ed's new pickup truck. I didn't drive it at all last year. It was besotted with electrical problems, i.e. you couldn't drive it without charging it first, even … [Read more...]