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Here are some ways to help cut down on energy costs! And who doesn’t love a fun and easy DIY project?

DIY Laundry Drying Racks

Laundry dryers account for 6% of the electricity used in the United States each year. Try out this flat and compact DIY drying system created by Debbie, from Me and My DIY.

See how Debbie built this project using PVC piping and drawer slides here.

DIY Frosted Windows

Tricia, from the blog Making It Feel Like Home, used cool frosted contact paper on the small windows by her front door, adding privacy to her home. However, using insulating window film can add both privacy and insulation!

Some films can reduce radiant heat transfer through glass by as much as 50%. Depending on the type of film you select, and the amount of area covered, you can…

  • Help keep rooms cool in the summer and warm in the winter
  • Strengthen windows for added security
  • Minimize UV exposure, so fabrics and furniture won’t fade

See how Tricia created this project and where to download the stencils she used here.

DIY Rain Barrel

Rebekah Grieman of Potholes and Pantyhose.com came up with this idea: watering your yard and garden for free using rainfall! An inch of rainfall on a 1,000 square foot roof produces around 600 gallons of water; collect it and you can save around 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months (according to the Environmental Protection Agency).

You can see how Rebekah transformed a recycled pepper barrel into her own private water reservoir here.

DIY Air Conditioner

YouTube vlogger Desertsun02 gets cooled off with an AC system that uses only 54 watts of electricity. The system pumps ice water through copper tubing that is wrapped around the face of a fan. Instead of pushing around hot air, the fan generates a cool refreshing breeze.

If you already own a fan and bucket, the project will cost around $30 and a few hours of assembly time. Watch how he did it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF0J8OvDSmM