Budget-conscious people are always on the lookout for ways to save money. Given the unfortunate state of the economy, the need to do so is greater than ever. Thankfully, sacrifice isn’t necessary. Making simple changes around your home can result in big savings over time.
In the laundry room
Wash clothes in cold water. The primary cost associated with washers is from the energy required to heat water. Appliances that carry an Energy Star rating are designed to be more efficient and to save your household money. To increase your family’s cost savings, use your dryer selectively; clothes can be hung up to dry, which will lengthen their life and reduce shrinkage. Save additional coinage by making your own laundry detergent. The necessary ingredients are readily available at the grocery and can be used in all types of washing machines.
Power down
Save money by switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). They use less electricity than traditional incandescent light bulbs, last longer and aid in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. You can also put your lights on timers, especially if you work longer-than-average hours or will be gone for vacation. The easiest money-saving solution is to turn off lights in any room you’re not using.
Appliances that are always plugged in, even when not in use, continue to draw power. Everything from televisions to cell phone chargers will use energy that adds up in small but noticeable increments. Utilize a power strip to switch off items with one simple motion or go a step further and unplug everything that isn’t in use. Before long, you’ll see your utility costs begin to decrease.
Waste not, want not
Instead of running water to rinse or wash dishes, fill a tub with soapy water and use it to clean your tableware. Fill a second tub with clean rinse water to save your faucet from running for minutes on end and wasting gallons of water. Your dishes will come out just as clean; your water bill will drop; and the Earth will thank you.
Refrain from taking long showers. Though relaxing, they use significant amounts of water. Consider installing a low-flow showerhead to cut down on water usage, showering every other day, or installing a timer that signals when it’s time to get out. While you don’t want to start thinking about your daily ablutions as money running down the drain, it’s a visual that might help you remember to shut off the faucet a couple minutes earlier.
These tips can get you on the road to saving your family money throughout the year. Think of things you do that might be costing you money, such as doing partial loads of laundry or having every light in the house switched on. Understanding the financial impact of these simple tasks is a great way to learn about saving money. You might even enjoy the challenge of discovering cost-saving measures around your home.
Author Bio-
Holly Watson is a stay-at-home mom, former financial adviser, and baking enthusiast. She blogs on behalf of Sears and other prestigious brands she uses.
