What could you do with an extra $500-$950 per year? Would you save up for a weekend get away? Buy your kids the Christmas gifts they've been asking you for all year?
Saving money and home ownership go hand in hand. For most who live on a budget, it's important to cut corners and save where you can. Here are 8 ways you can save some money without sacrificing much convenience:
Shut It Down
Ever thought about moving into Queens or Brooklyn?
Not in the room? Lights off!
When you decide to leave a room or retire for the night turn off all the power strips and lights in a room when not in use. You can get the kids involved by having a points and rewards system. When the habit's in place it would be impossible to not be conscious of it moving forward.
Countdown timers or Smart lights
Alexa, turn off all the lights in the house! Yes, with technology that allows you to avoid the hardship of actually flipping a switch it should be easier. An alternative to this is motion sensor lights and countdown timers.
Tip: With motion sensor lights, make sure your moving every so often, nothing is worse than being in the dark on the porcelain throne.
SAVING ESTIMATE: $100-$300 per year
Heating and Cooling Hacks
Strategically use windows
-Install heavy drapes on your sunny windows. This will allow you to keep the sun out on hot days and help keep the cold out on winter days.
Install a couple ceiling fans
-Installing a ceiling fan yourself isn't an easy task, but it has a large payoff. Spin the blades downward in the summer to promote cool air flow through your home. Run the blades clockwise during the winter to push warm are through your space.
Fine tune that thermostat
-Yes, most people do this but it is worth mentioning again. During the winter turn the heat up when home and turn it down 10-15 degrees before bed and/or when at work. You can also apply that to air-conditioning in the opposite manner.
Estimated Savings: 5-30% of yearly electric bill!
Minimize Hot Water Use
Stop overusing that dish washer
Use your dishwasher only when you have a nearly full load! No more than once a day if necessary. Let's not be lazy you can rinse out your cereal bowl.
Wash clothing in cold water
With the strong cleaning properties of contemporary detergents, it's not shocking that they perform very well in cold water. If you have clothing that requires a hot water wash place them together and wash them together when needed.
Fine tune the water heater
Lower your water temperature to 120 degrees F. As a plus, this technique can help you avoid hot water accidents.
Estimated Savings: $100-$250 per year
So, that is how you can save money by being conscious of your energy consumption. Not only are you saving your pockets but you are helping the planet by leaving a small carbon foot print. What are some ways you save money?