With the cost of energy expected to continue rising in 2023, right now is the best time to start implementing some easy ways to save money at home. Whether you are environmentally conscious, simply watching your budget, or are savvy enough to be concerned about both simultaneously, saving money is always a smart move. Especially when it can save you energy as well. Because many people don't know where to start, we have compiled a list of the top six ways to save money (and energy) at home. The trick is implementing as many as possible and then watching the savings add up.
1. Simply Turn Things Off
Everyone knows that turning off the lights when you are not home or even not in the room is a dramatic way to save energy and money. But don't just stop at lights. Many people leave on everything from the computer to the television when they are not at home or not using them, which can add up fast. Even chargers for cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices consume small amounts of energy when plugged in, despite when you are not charging anything!
Kitchen and other electronic appliances often switch automatically into standby mode - but don't let this fool you into thinking they are not using power. They are. You can save substantial amounts of energy by turning off or unplugging electrical devices instead of letting them suck up your resources on standby. Sounds complicated? Try plugging all of your devices into the same power strip so you can turn them all off simultaneously. Easy peasy.
2. Be Water Wise
Monitoring your water usage is an easy and effective way to save money on your utility bills. By better understanding how much water you're using, you can identify areas of potential savings and make changes that reduce your water consumption. For example, checking for leaks or installing efficient shower heads can help lower your monthly bill while also saving the environment. Additionally, investing in an automatic meter-reading system that tracks your water usage can provide valuable insight into how much you're consuming and identify areas of improvement. Taking the time to become more aware of how much water you use can pay off in more ways than one.
3. Replace Your Light Bulbs
Did you know that LED light bulbs use over 80 percent less energy than regular incandescent light bulbs? Well, now you do. While it's true that LED lightbulbs cost more upfront, the truth is that you will not only get that money back the first year in energy savings but also save even more over the long run. That's because LED lightbulbs last for much longer than regular light bulbs - often over a decade - and that means fewer trips to the hardware store and less money spent overall on lighting.
When it comes to clever ways to save money and energy, replacing your light bulbs is one of the quickest and easiest. LED light bulbs also contain zero mercury, which means that they won't pile up in your garbage the way regular light bulbs do and won't harm the earth as much when disposed of.
4. Seal Your Home
With temperatures plummeting in the winter and soaring in the summer, sealing up your home can help you save money year-round. Air can escape throughout the year, meaning that closing gaps, cracks, and other openings around windows and doors will keep energy costs down during both cold winter months and hot summer days. Doing it yourself with a hand caulking gun is an easy and surprisingly inexpensive way to save money on energy bills. Whether it's winter or summer, sealing up your home is a must for anyone looking for fast, easy, and cost-effective ways to save!
5. Cook Up Savings
Cooking at home is one of the best ways to save money on food expenses. Planning and prepping meals in advance and then utilizing leftovers when possible can help stretch your budget. Additionally, being smart while shopping for groceries can be helpful; compare prices across stores or take advantage of digital coupons and discounts before you make your purchase. Buying in bulk when possible and stocking up on staple items can also be cost-effective. With a bit of planning and smart shopping, you can make your food budget go further without compromising on taste or quality.
6. Budget Your Bucks
This may be an obvious tip, but creating a budget is key to controlling your expenses and reaching your financial goals. Track all of your income and expenditure sources, as well as any outstanding debts, to identify areas for improvement. Reducing entertainment costs by taking advantage of free events and activities, canceling subscriptions, and renting movies instead of going to the theater can help add up the savings over time. Also, don't forget to shop around for deals and take advantage of sales, especially when making a major purchase. By following these money-saving tips, you can stay on track with your budget and boost your savings.
Ready to Get Started?
Now that you know the top ways to save money and energy in your home, are you ready to become more energy efficient? Don't let the opportunity slip just because it seems complicated or time-consuming. Call OnPoint Energy today to talk to one of our energy consultants and start saving money today!