If you are tired of mindlessly paying very high utility bills every month, you may be interested in taking a look at where some of your money is going. You may be surprised to find just how much money your appliances, televisions and even smartphones are sucking up every month and just how much water you use in every area of your home. For example, a single incandescent light bulb can use over two dollars every month, which is just under the amount that your computer uses. When added up over time, these little amounts can quickly become quite large. Turn your home into a green home with these makeover tips that can help you start saving money on your utility bills immediately.
Smart Thermostats Learn Your Habits
Several brands now make smart thermostats that adjust the temperature in your home throughout the day to save the most money. However, rather than simple turning down the temperature every night while you are asleep, these smart thermostats can learn your weekly habits, getting used to when you go to work each day, what your typical plans are on the weekends and what temperature you find comfortable. Over time, small adjustments in the temperature of your home can save you significantly on your gas and electric bills.
Windows Keep in Your Energy
Your windows make up a great deal of your home’s exterior. Because they are not insulated as your walls are, they can let out heat and air conditioning, making your home uncomfortable and your heating and cooling bills quite high. By changing from single-pane windows to Energy-Star windows, you can save hundreds of dollars on utilities throughout the year depending on where you live. Energy Star window installation are even more energy-efficient than double-pane windows are.
Energy-Efficient Appliances Save Electricity
Your appliances run every day without any thought on your part. However, large appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, also use up a great deal of energy. Your washer and dryer alone usually cost over eight dollars per month to run. Switching to an Energy Star-rated washer and dryer system can save you 25 percent versus your older model and will also take less water for washing.
Faucet Add-ons Make You Smart with Water Usage
As you are trying to save money on utilities, you may be focusing on your gas and electricity consumption. However, do not forget about your water costs, which can be quite high depending on the number of people in your family. A typical shower can take around 50 gallons of water. However, by installing a water-saving shower head, you can cut that number in half. In addition, consider adding a high-efficiency faucet aerator. You will still feel as if you are using the same amount of water, but your utility bill will reflect a lower number.
A green makeover for your home does not have to be terribly large or costly to be effective. Instead, simple changes can often be just as effective over the long-term as large changes are. Take a thoughtful walk through your home, and start plotting some of the wise choices that you can make for your wallet and for the environment.
Anica has a Jack Russell Terrier named Saxon, three daughters that are 13, 11, and 7.