Put money back in your wallet by making some small changes
Whether you’re squirreling away money for the holiday season or wanting to cut costs in general, there are ways to improve your home's efficiency and save money simultaneously. Without you knowing it, your home could be costing you more money than it should be, which, over time, could be costly. We dive into just a few ways to save money throughout your home, and while this list isn’t all-encompassing, it does give a great place to start to make some changes year-round.
It doesn’t matter what space you live in—a modern build, an older Victorian-style house, an apartment, or anything in between—you can become energy efficient by making minor adjustments throughout your space. Why become energy efficient? Improving your home’s energy efficiency can save you money over time, and while you might not notice huge savings right away, your wallet will thank you in the future. Some ways to get started include:
Switching from incandescent to LED light bulbs in your home to reduce power usage.
Use power strips for your TV and computer to reduce the electricity used when turned off.
Regularly check for leaky pipes, toilets, and faucets to reduce water usage.
Upgrade your toilets to a low-flow or dual-flush system to reduce water waste.
Update your appliances, like refrigerator or dishwasher, with high Energy StarⓇ options.
Install low-flow faucets to decrease the water you use at the sink.
Upgrade your windows to insulated ones to keep the draft out and the heat in.
One thing is inevitable—laundry will always need to be done. You may not notice, but this chore that seems to never end might be eating away at your budget. A simple way to save money throughout the year in your home is to save money on your laundry, but how?
One significant way to reduce the money spent on laundry is to be mindful of how much detergent you use. It’s very common to assume that the more laundry you have (or the dirtier it is), the more detergent you need. In reality, using the right amount of detergent will not only save you from wasting your supply, but it will also keep your washing machine working in tip-top shape. Generally, you should only use two tablespoons of detergent for normal-to-large loads. If your detergent is more heavily concentrated, or you wash smaller loads, halve that amount.
Additionally, regular appliance cleaning and tune-ups help extend the lifespan of your washer and dryer, saving you money overall on needing to replace them too soon. Calling a local washing machine repair professional to inspect your machine every year is a proactive way to prevent money from going down the drain.
Do you have one window that constantly sticks that you want to replace? While you might think it’s most cost-effective to replace just one window, think again. The windows are likely around the same age; soon enough, you’ll need to replace the others. That’s why grouping projects together, like replacing all your windows at once, can be the best way to save money overall.
Many pros will offer discounts when you purchase multiples of something, like windows or cabinets. Additionally, many pros will provide you with discounts when you group projects together. For example, booking lawn mowing and leaf removal services together might benefit your wallet in the long run.
Sometimes, home projects need to be done quickly to ensure your family's safety, like a roof repair or purchasing a new furnace. However, if you’re considering a non-emergent home project, knowing the right time to book can be key in saving a few bucks on the project cost. Booking projects during the off-season gives you the freedom to have flexibility in your project while often getting a discounted rate since the demand for your professional is lower. Some common projects and their offseasons include:
Moving to a new residence, where the offseason is October through May.
Hiring an interior painter is best during the winter months.
Installing a pool in the fall is best for both the ground and your wallet.
Whether you live in a hot climate or experience all the seasons, chances are you like to cool down by running your AC when it’s hot. Depending on your home's size, that could get quite expensive—no one wants to spend their time indoors sweating up a storm or spending a fortune to stay cool. Thankfully, there are some tips to reduce air conditioning costs to keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank. These include:
Keeping your air filter clean by replacing it every three months or more frequently if needed.
Invest in a smart thermostat to remotely control your home's temperature when you’re not home.
Avoid unnecessary heat in your home by not running heat-producing appliances like the oven, dishwasher, and dryer until later (and cooler) hours of the day.
Plant trees or shrubs in your yard to add additional shade, therefore cutting down on direct sunlight.
Use fans throughout your home to circulate the airflow.
If you plan on moving anytime soon, listen up—it doesn’t need to cost you an arm and a leg. Believe it or not, there are ways to save on moving costs so that you can relocate and still stay financially comfortable. Of course, one way to save on the big move is to use boxes you accumulate throughout the year (especially if you tend to receive a lot of at-home deliveries) and ask your friends and neighbors to send any boxes they get your way. You can also:
Start packing early to declutter your home ahead of the move.
Consider renting a packing container for a DIY move, depending on the distance.
Make a list of projects to schedule after your move before the big day.
