Do you ever feel like when each pay day rolls around all your hard earned money goes to pay the bills? It’s hard to save any money when the creditors get your entire paycheck. Don’t worry, I’ve found 24 ways to save a few dollars around the house.
The very first step you want to take when trying to save money is to create a budget: You will need to figure out where your money goes. Make a list of all of your expenses and calculate your monthly income.
After you’ve got a budget in place and know where your money goes, it’s time to trim the fat!
One of the easiest ways to save money is to cut down on waste and excess around the house. If you are one of those people who leaves the lights and TVs on, turn them off!
Turning off the lights: If you’re not in the room watching TV, turn it off. When you leave the bathroom, turn off the lights.
Replace air filters: A dirty air filter will slow down the air flowing to your air conditioner and heating unit. It is recommended that you change the filters one per month.
Shut doors and windows: This is an easy one!
Reduce your cable bill: Look into downgrading your current cable package.
Check the thermostat: It’s as simple as turning the thermostat up a couple of degrees in the summer and down a few in the winter. Each degree will save you up to 3 percent in energy costs.
Purchase and use compact fluorescent light bulbs: These light bulbs use much less energy than incandescent light bulbs. They cost a bit more, but the initial investment is worth it because they last a lot longer.
Consolidate cable, phone, and internet services: Most of the big companies will offer discounts if you use them for combined cable, telephone and internet service.
Use cloth napkins, towels and diapers: Although it’s convenient to use paper napkins, paper towels and disposable diapers, cloth can be washed and used again. Use these to save money and the environment.
Turn off your computer: Computers use a lot of energy.
Dishes: Same goes for dishes, use reusable dishes for your meals instead of paper plates.
Buy energy efficient appliances: Look for appliances with the Energy Star label.
Contact your electric/gas company: The electric or gas company can complete an energy audit and tell you specifically what you can do to make your home more energy efficient.
Downgrade your phone services: If possible, eliminate your land line and use your cell phone for long distance phone calls.
Find cost saving programs: Again, contact your energy company and ask if they offer any load management, off-hour rate or other cost saving programs that you can take advantage of.
Shade your windows: Close shades, blinds or drapes during the day to keep light and heat from coming in through the windows. Alternately, uncovering windows to let sun in could be helpful for heating in the winter.
Keep the flu closed in your fireplace: Don’t let hot or cold air escape out of the fireplace.
Insulate your water heater: Insulating your water heater can help to retain heat. There is also a thermostat that can be turned down a few degrees.
Line dry your clothes: The dryer uses a lot of energy, plus it can also heat up your house, causing your air conditioner to have to work harder. Another bonus: that fresh, dried-on-the-line smell.
Install low flow showerheads: These can be found at any hardware store and can cut water consumption in half.
Use cold water when washing clothes: Heating water uses energy and costs money. Wash your clothes in cold water instead of hot.
Use a gas dryer: Gas dryers use less energy than their electric counterparts.
Open a window: Take advantage of nice weather, turn off the air or heat and open the windows.
Eliminate drafts: Use weather-stripping to strengthen the seal around doors and windows to eliminate the loss of hot or cool air.
Plant a tree: Planting trees and bushes around your home to increase shade and decrease energy consumption. Plant trees around your air conditioning unit as well as windows that get a lot of sun. Simply doing this can save between $100 and $250 a year in heating and cooling costs.
An energy efficient home is only part of the solution. Transportation costs can put a dent in your budget. Next time we’ll take a look at what you can do to make hitting the road more cost effective.
8 Comments
July 15, 2008 at 12:07 pm
And in addition to helping you save money, your tips are also green and Earth friendly.
July 15, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Thanks! I guess I didn’t really think about it, but they are. An added bonus since I’m a hippie at heart!
July 25, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Thanks! I am saving for a house down payment and your ideas are inspiring and doable.
July 30, 2008 at 2:52 am
[...] Be Debt Free presents a great list of twenty four ways to save energy, and therefore money, around the house. It is amazing how many ways there are to make your house more “green”, more [...]
July 30, 2008 at 1:17 pm
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August 11, 2008 at 6:44 pm
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August 29, 2008 at 10:14 pm
[...] to subscribe to my RSS feed, or subscribe by Email. Thanks for visiting!I’ve already shared 25 ways to save money around the house as well as 18 ways to save money when hitting the road. Today I’ll share 10 ways to save [...]
May 20, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Good website. Will come back soon.