Guest Post
Being a homeowner can get expensive. Not only are you responsible for your monthly mortgage payment, owning your own home means being responsible for your own maintenance and repairs. A new roof, water heater or an HVAC unit can cost thousands of dollars. For this reason, many homeowners start a savings account to cover future repairs. But if you don’t have a lot of disposable income, start a savings account can prove challenging. Lowering your household expenses can free up cash for savings.
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your household expenses, start with your energy costs. Here are a few tips for an energy-efficient home.
1. Be selective with your appliances
If you need to lower your energy costs, pick better appliances for your home. Your refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer use a lot of energy. By choosing energy-efficient alternatives, you’ll save water and power, which helps lower your annual cost. The money saved can go toward your emergency savings account. This can provide extra cash when needed for household repairs and maintenance.
2. Cover your windows
Some property owners do not hang curtains over their windows. But this decorating style can have a tremendous impact on utility bills. Heavy drapes in the summer will block the sun’s rays, thus helping to keep your house cool. And with drapes over your windows in the winter, cold air won’t seep into your home. As a result, you don’t have to use your AC or heating system as often.
3. Know your rate options
Sadly, some property owners never research rates offered by local energy companies. By shopping around and knowing your options, you can save money each month. If you need information on how to save money on energy rates, click here for more. The less you pay for energy, the more money in your pocket. Lower energy costs can translate into a bigger savings accounts.
4. Plant trees around your property
Trees planted around your property not only give your house personality, trees can also contribute to a lower electricity bill. Trees create a shade which helps block the sun’s rays. This shade helps cool your house. Even on the hottest days of the year, a few trees can reduce how hard your AC unit works. And if your AC uses less energy, you will save money. Plus, trees are healthy for the environment and help raise property values.
5. Choose LED lightbulbs
These lightbulbs cost more than other types of bulbs, but they costs less in the long-run. LED lightbulbs use less energy, emit less heat and burn for approximately 50,000 hours. They’re extremely durable, and if you switch out all your bulbs with LEDs, you’ll use about 80% less energy.
Efforts to use less energy and become more energy-efficient will not go unnoticed. The more measures you take, the more your energy costs will drop. Do your part and you’ll reduce your carbon footprint, as well as free up cash for other household expenses.