Saving on Living Costs: Eight Ways Your Home Can Save You Money

The rising cost of living is leaving homeowners wondering how they can cut costs. Although the task may seem daunting, it is definitely doable. Your home can become your partner and ally in your quest to save money. All it takes is some creative thinking and a willingness to make a few cost effective changes to your home.

1.      Window Shutters

Installing window shutters to the interior of your home dramatically increases its energy efficiency by acting as another layer of insulation against heat and cold. Once you install shutters to your windows, you will never have to worry about window treatments again. Shutters are remarkably durable and always in style. The IRS considers shutters to be a capital improvement, so installing them makes perfect financial sense.

2.      Turn Clutter into Cash

Look at your furnishings and accessories with a critical eye and try to de-clutter your home. Consider having a garage sale. Your bank account will thank you and your home will take on a clean and inviting look.

3.      Check Heating and Cooling Systems

Air conditioning and heating systems that are not operating efficiently cost you money. An ounce of prevention is worth its weight in gold. Treat your heating and cooling systems well and they will reward you by working efficiently for a long time. Regular maintenance will cut down on costly repairs and extend the life of your systems.

4.      Eliminate Drafts

Check your windows and doors to make sure that they are working properly. Allowing heat or cool air to escape is the same as flushing your hard earned money down the drain.

5.      Attic Insulation

Attics that are properly insulated help keep your home at a constant temperature. Your utility bills will be lower because you will no longer be losing temperature through the roof. Items stored in the attic will also be protected from the ravages of extreme temperatures.

6.      Stop Wasting Water

Water bills have been skyrocketing. Check faucets and pipes for leaks. Even a small drip from a leaky faucet can waste almost 20 gallons of water a day! Inspect your toilets for leaks. Don’t flush your toilet needlessly. Consider installing showerheads that reduce water flow. Give up those long showers and you will be pleasantly surprised at how much money you save. Household faucets can be fitted with inexpensive devices that cut back on water waste.

7.      Unplug Your Appliances

Count the number of appliances you have plugged in around your home. Even though you turn off your appliances, they are still using energy. Phantom power is the energy that your appliances use when they are turned off, but still plugged in. You are wasting energy and your costs are rising. You can purchase an inexpensive power meter that can help you determine which of your appliances are wasting energy. Simply unplugging your devices will significantly lower your energy bills.

8.      Turn Extra Space into Income

If you have a garage you are not using, consider renting it out to a neighbor. The same is true of an extra bedroom, shed, storage closet, attic or crawl space. The downturn in the economy has people looking for smaller and less expensive living quarters. These smaller apartments or homes may not provide enough room to store important items. If you have the room to spare, you can bring in extra income and help another person struggling to get by.

Despite rising costs, it is definitely possible to reduce monthly bills without cutting back on the quality of your life. Simple changes can transform your home into an energy efficient place that brings you years of enjoyment without breaking the bank.

Information credited to Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions.

Tags: saving money tips

Category: Family Finances