6 Money-Saving Home Tips You Need to Start Doing
Most of society is fortunate to live in a technologically advanced and innovative age. Smart technology, reliable transportation, and helpful applications are all around us, making it easier for us to live more effectively. So, with all of this incredible creativity, it’s amazing that so many people aren’t living greener lives.
You could have a huge effect on the Earth, your cities, and your energy bills if you all made only one eco-friendly move. If some of you are willing to make small improvements but are unsure what to do to make your home more energy-efficient, here are X ideas. In addition, to help the planet, you could save a significant amount of money in the long run!
- Consider Using Alternate Energies
You can start with a bigger ticket item that will save you the most money in the long run. Investing in alternative energies such as efficient solar panels will reduce or eliminate your dependency on grid power. Grid power pollutes the environment and costs consumers millions of dollars every year. Imagine being having clean, renewable, and reliable power that isn’t dependent on a power plant.
Other forms of alternative energy include wind turbines, geothermal power, and personal hydroelectric power. There should be a solution for most homeowners. For instance, you might find that upgrading to a gas-powered furnace can help you to do your bit for the planet if your existing heating system is outdated. You can learn more about how to make the heating in your home more energy efficient by reaching out to a Heater Installation specialist in your local area.
- Address Heat/Air Loss
Houses are full of cracks and places that warm air can escape and cold air gets in. This makes your heating/cooling systems work harder. You are effectively throwing money out your windows.
Insulating your attic will help seal air leaks and lower your home’s heating and cooling bills. The amount of insulation required to cover your attic depends on the size of your home and the environment in your area, but according to HomeAdvisor.com, blowing in additional insulation into your attic costs $1,356 on average.
Seal air leaks in and around your home’s windows to go the extra mile. Consider installing weatherstripping around the frames of your windows if they are drafty. Apply a bead of silicone caulk to any holes in your drywall, or cover your windows with a sheet of shrink film. Sealing holes and cracks is a simple and low-cost way to save electricity.
Lastly, even if you already have an energy-efficient front or side door, a storm door adds an additional layer of weather security all year. According to the US Department of Energy, storm doors with low-emissivity glass or a protective coating will help minimize energy loss by up to 50%. Storm doors usually last between 25 and 50 years and can be purchased for as little as $75.
- Turn Down the Heat
A lot of money can be saved by making small adjustments in your daily habits. When you’re not at home, make it a routine to lower the temperature on your thermostat. Reduce the monthly heating bill and use less electricity by lowering the temperature by three to five degrees. Lowering your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees during the workday, according to Energy.gov, will save you 5% to 15% a year.
- Replace Your Old Blubs
In 2014, manufacturers stopped producing 60-watt and 40-watt incandescent lightbulbs (100-watt and 75-watt bulbs were already phased out). But you’re not doomed to live in the dark. Halogen bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs offer longer-lasting light and are more energy-efficient than your old incandescent bulbs. Since the average home uses 40 bulbs, switching over to greener bulbs is a great way to save on your electrical bill.
- Unplug Electronics
Power vampires are devices that are plugged in but not in operation, such as cell phone and battery chargers. The typical charger uses 0.26 watts when not in use and 2.24 watts when connected to your phone, according to Energy.gov. One charger won’t have much of an effect on its own, but together, energy vampires will account for 10% of your energy bill. So, when you’re not using your chargers, unplug them.
The same goes for appliances and electronics that are plugged in but not in use. Even that little light on your coffee pot is using energy all the time. Save money by unplugging your small appliances and electronics while not in use.
6 Watch Your Water Usage
The average homeowner can save around $170 a year by making minor improvements to their water use, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). When brushing your teeth or shaving, be aware of running water. In addition, bathing uses 75 gallons of water on average, compared to 17.2 gallons for a shower. You should also stop loading your washer with half-loads of laundry. A full load ensures that more clothes are washed at once, conserving water (and money).
Furthermore, avoid using hot water in your washer and use either cold or warm water. According to Treehugger.com, the washer uses 90% of its energy to heat the water, and the remaining 10% is used to power the pump. As a result, using cooler water for each load will theoretically save a lot of electricity.
