Ten tips to save you money in your home

Ten tips to save you money in your home

 

It doesn’t matter whether you own your home or rent.  Easy approaches can help you save money within your home.  Homes.com offers some simple tips:

 

Ø Programmable Thermostats:  for about $50-$100, programmable “smart” thermostats save hundreds of dollars yearly on electric bills. Some models come with Wi-Fi so you can turn down the thermostat remotely.

Ø Low-Flow Shower:  Take an environmentally friendly step by replacing outdated showerheads with new low-flow models.  This can reduce your water use in the shower by 25%-60%, as well as increasing hot water efficiency.

Ø Extra Payment: one additional mortgage payment a year can save thousands on annual interest payments, based on a 30-year loan.

Ø Unplug:  Unplug or use a smart power strip to save an estimated 5%-10%.  Many appliances and other electrical gadgets consume power even when turned off.

Ø House Plants:  Air purifiers can cost hundreds of dollars.  Consider house- plants to help remove toxins from the air and add color, warmth and comfort.

Ø Avoid the Draft: As your home ages, hot and cold air from outside can often creep inside.  Weatherproofing is inexpensive and simple.  It can save you up to 15% of heating and cooling costs. Do your research to see what weatherproofing needs your home would benefit from.

Ø Do-it-yourself: In the mood to redecorate? Making your home feel like new can be costly. Jump on the DIY bandwagon or check out free DIY workshops at local stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. 

Ø Ceiling Fans:  Air conditioning uses 3,500 watts of energy, while a ceiling fan only uses 60 watts.  Set the fan to run clockwise in the winter to reverse the motion and push warm air down.

Ø Shop your home:  Look for budget friendly tweaks you can make before making new home accessory purchases.  Rearrange furniture and lighting to change the feel of any space.  You can even switch decorations in between rooms to make them feel different.

Ø Laundry:  Washing in cold water and using the dryer efficiently by filling but not overfilling the machine.  Some energy-efficient appliances can qualify your family for an additional tax credit.

 

Exploring ways to reduce home expenses can help you save for important upgrades in the future.

Thank you,
Ainsley Daux
Florida Realty
(813)435-3013