By Evan Vitale
We all look for ways to save money, trim budgets and make ends meet when things are getting a little tight in the financial department.
However, there are some easy-to-find money saving ideas that you can find at home. These include:
- Electricity. Of course, we all know the rule of turning off lights when we leave the room, but you should also consider using low-wattage, energy-efficient light bulbs as well. If you are in a habit of turning on a porch light, consider turning it off sooner (before you go to bed) or switching to a motion light which only turns on when someone approaches your house.
- Appliances and electronics. While this also goes into the “electricity” category, always consider using energy-saving appliances if you need to buy a new appliance. In addition, your DVD player and other electronics are actually “on” and burning a little bit of power even when you turn them off. Consider plugging them into a surge protector and turning it off (or unplugging it) when your electronics are not in use.
- Call your electric and/or gas company. Most of these offer free energy inspections to help you save on your electrical and heating and cooling costs.
- Do you have a home phone service through your Internet provider? Do you also have a cell phone? Is there a need for two phones?
- Cut back on your cable TV service. Call your cable TV provider to see if you can reduce your cost by dropping down into a lower-priced tier.
- Take quicker showers or consider saving water by using a low-flow shower head. This will save on your water consumption and it will also save electricity/gas needed for your water heater.
- Speaking of water heaters, buy a water heater wrap. This will help prevent heat escape from your water heater year round.
- When possible, use less hot water to wash clothes or with your dishwasher.
- As temperatures warm up with the upcoming summer months, try to use a fan or a ceiling fan at night to stay cool instead of running an air conditioner.
- When summer arrives and you rely on the air conditioner more often, you’ll save energy and costs by setting the AC at a specific, comfortable temperature and never change it. Some say 70 degrees is ideal for both day and night temperatures.
This is a simple start. As you look for ways to save money in your home, you’ll be surprised at other opportunities you will find.
