From the keeping more of your money in your pocket series.
Yikes! Bills keep going up, and, unfortunately, sometimes incomes fail to keep pace with inflation. This may call for us to cut back on services or spending or find sensible ways to save money. For the latter, it’s especially important to think long-term. Here are some simple things that you can do around the house to save big bucks over time.
Tip #1 – Change your HVAC air filter regularly. Most require replacement every 30 to 60 days. Per the Department of Energy, nearly half of your energy bill comes from the use of your HVAC system. Thus, replacing your dirty filter with a clean one can help you save up to 15% of that bill, per US Home Filter. A dirty filter forces the HVAC unit to work harder than normal because it becomes more difficult for it to suck in air. Get this – even some brand-new expensive filters can cause wasteful spending by restricting the airflow to your HVAC system, which makes the system work harder. Thus, it’s vital to talk to an HVAC expert to determine what type of filter is the best and most cost-effective for your system.
Tip #2 – Inspect and fix weatherstripping regularly around exterior windows and doors. Homes with weatherstripping issues can leak temperature-controlled air or make rooms drafty. To control interior air comfort and save on heating and air conditioning, take the time to inspect, repair, or replace loose weatherstripping and caulk cracks where needed. Weatherstripping is also an important barrier to stopping rain and moisture from entering the home. People can save an average of 7.5% on their energy bills by addressing air leaks, per The Eco Guide. If your bills are unusually high and you believe your home is losing energy, hire a qualified technician to conduct an energy assessment to determine if your home needs more insulation.
Tip #3 – Whenever possible, switch to LED lightbulbs. These types of lightbulbs are widely available and have come down in price considerably since they hit the market. LED light technology, using light-emitting diodes, was invented in the 1960s. These bulbs were largely introduced in the 1970s, and science has evolved and improved since. This “newer technology “is considered better than standard light bulbs, also called incandescent bulbs. Standard bulb technology has been around since Thomas Edison patented his invention in 1879. Today’s LEDs use up to 80% less energy and may last 42 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, according to information shared by USA Today. Since lighting accounts for about 15% of average electricity use in a home, the average household can save $225 in energy costs per year by switching to energy-efficient lights, per the Department of Energy. Folks can save money even further by adding the use of timers and dimmers to their lighting.
There are many wise ways to prevent hard-earned money from being wasted. These are just three of many tips that can be easily used at home. Stay tuned for more great ideas coming your way, which are designed to keep more of your money in your pocket.
