Cutting Costs at Home

There are a lot of little ways to save at home that can really make a difference. 1. Replace the lightbulbs around your house with energy efficient ones is not only a good idea for the environment, but can save you money. They are a little bit more expensive than regular ones, but they last a whole lot longer. 2. Wash your clothes in cold water as opposed to warm water in order to reduce energy costs, and wash and dry only full loads. 3. Line dry your clothes as opposed to putting them in the drayer. 4. Wash only full loads of dishes, and air dry them. 5. Turn off the lights in rooms that are not in use. 6. Save on electricity costs by unplugging unused appliances. If the appliances are plugged in they are sucking up energy even if they are not being used, or are turned off. You can save a lot by simply unplugging them. 7. Lower the thermostat temperature when you are away from home and during the evenings. In the winter turn the temperature and, and in the summer turn the temperature up. Lowering your thermostat by one degree can save you as much as 5%. 8. Wear a sweater or a blanket. 9. Lower your hot water heater temperature to 120 degrees. 10. Replace your furnace filters regulary 11. Make sure that walls are properly insulated, and areas around windows and door jambs are properly caulked and sealed. 12. Upgrade your windows and doors with new ones that keep in the heat during the winter.