Buying, owning, and taking care of a home takes a lot of work, time, money, and research. Do you remember when you were looking for a house? You had a list of things that you had to have, like a spacious kitchen, a backyard, and a certain number of bedrooms and bathrooms. You probably looked online, toured a couple of homes, and maybe even had a realtor to help you find the perfect house at just the right price. Even just choosing a house is a lot of work, and making it just right for your family is even more work…and money. Here are some tips on making your home more affordable.
Light Bulbs
Having the lights on in your home when they don’t need to be is one way that you are spending more on your home bills than you’d like, the other? You aren’t using energy-efficient bulbs. Switching out the light bulbs you use most often with compact fluorescent light bulbs can help you cut down on your utility bill. Not only do these light bulbs use less energy that will help you save, but they also last longer. So even if you think you don’t need to replace your light bulbs yet, the price tag might just persuade you.
Energy Sources
If you are new to your home and want to make a money-saving investment before you buy new appliances and settle in, consider switching from propane to natural gas. Though fairly similar to each other, one main difference between propane and natural gas is the cost. Natural gas costs around one-third less than propane, so while it may be pricey to install a line and convert your appliances, it may be worth it in the long run. Before you switch, be sure to mark underground utilities and have a plan for your propane tank—you’ll most likely have to sell it.
Low-Flow Fixtures
Do you have a habit of taking long showers and using a lot of water? Consider switching your fixtures to a low-flow option or adding an attachment to your shower head that will reduce the amount of water being used. Don’t worry, it won’t change the water pressure. Investing in these fixtures can help you save by lowering your water bill.
Seasonal Changes
As the seasons change, so does your thermostat. Instead of pumping out air conditioning in the winter, it changes to heat. Unfortunately, the control that you have over the temperature of your home comes at a cost…literally. However, there are a few tricks you can do that can help you regulate the temperature of your home. On rare, sunny winter days, throw open the curtains and turn down the heater—it’s time to let the sun do some of the work. In the summer, cover up the windows with blinds or curtains to help keep the heat out. You can also install ceiling fans to help generate cooler air without needing to use so much air conditioning.
Your home should make you feel comfortable, not worried about how you’ll afford your utility bills. After all, you didn’t go through all the trouble searching for a perfect house only to find it’s too expensive to live there! Implement these changes to see an improvement in your home bills and stress levels.
