Saving money at home doesn’t have to be hard. In fact as these 21 money saving tips show, you can save $100s with only minimal effort. Sure some tips require a few handy man/women skills, but hey…thats all part of the fun! Enjoy!
- Tip 1: Install a solar roof fan: These fans work by getting the hot air out of the roof, meaning you don’t have to spend as much on cooling. It is estimated that they save around $120 a year in terms of cooling costs.
- Tip 2: Don’t set your air-conditioner to low: Set the temperature at 24 instead of 18 and you will save between $5 – $10 a month.
- Tip 3: Dry your clothes the old fashioned way: In our modern lifestyles, we seem to have forgotten just how easy it is to dry clothes either outside, or on a clothes line inside (this still works well in winter when you have your heating on to keep yourselves warm). This will save you around $5 a month.
- Tip 4: Use less laundry detergent: Firstly you don’t need as much as the label describes. Go for around two thirds of the amount and see if that works for you. Also consider concentrated detergent as well. This can save you money over time.
- Tip 5: Dish washing detergent: Same as for the tip above. You generally don’t need as much as the label says. Start out with a small amount and then find out what works for you.
- Tip 6: Buy the best value dish-washing detergent: Remember that the cheapest detergent isn’t always the most economically. Do some research and find out which detergent you can use the least of.
- Tip 7: Repaint your doors and shutters instead of replacing them:A quick sand and a coat of enamel paint may be all that your doors and shutters need to look brand new again. Definitely a cheaper option than replacing these items.
- Tip 8: Keep blinds and curtains closed: During the very hot days of the year – it gets to 50c where we currently live so we know about them! – close your blinds and curtains during the day. This will stop a lot of heat getting in, and save you money in cooling costs. Keeps the neighbours guessing as well. Start digging holes in the back yard at 3am and it will make sure they never complain about your stereo again!
- Tip 9: Ensure air conditioning units have as much shade as possible: The shadier the environment, the more effective and efficient they will be.
- Tip 10: Ensure good air flow for air conditioning and heating units: Every few months check the air intakes, and make sure that there are no weeds or shrubs blocking the air coming into the unit. The better the air flow the more efficient it is.
- Tip 11: Energy efficient windows: If you can afford the initial investment double glazed windows are definitely a lot more energy efficient than the old single glazed or pane windows. If you can’t afford the whole house prioritize on the rooms that need it most/where you spend most of your time. For example, don’t do the dog kennel before you do the lounge.
- Tip 12: Choose the right size air conditioner or heater for your house: If the unit is to small it will have to work too hard, too large, and you will be wasting electricity.
- Tip 13: Change or clean the air conditioning and heating filters:The more efficient the system is running, the less it will cost you. The build-up of dust on filters in air conditioning and heating units lowers its efficiency and also lowers your air quality. Try changing or cleaning them every season.
- Tip 14: Hand wash and dry dishes: If you only have a few dishes then quickly wash and dry them rather than putting on the dish washer.
- Tip 15: Keep showers to less than five minutes: Yes we know this is often hard to do. Grab an egg timer and see if you can make it out of the shower in less than five minutes.
- Tip 16: Shower with your partner: You save water…..no need to mention the other benefits!
- Tip 17: Turn the taps off: When you are cleaning your teeth or washing dishes, always turn the tap to save water, and to reduce your water bill.
- Tip 18: Store water: create a storage system for rainwater to use on the garden/ the car etc.
- Tip 19: Use your windows to cool your house in summer: Natural air is a good start to cool down your house. Definitely more cost effective than the air conditioner. Alternatively live in New Zealand.
- Tip 20: Have light colored walls: Light colored walls means you need less light to light your house. A fair bit of work we know, but if you are planning on repainting then consider lighter colors.
- Tip 21: Use heavy curtains: Heavy curtains keep the heat in during winter. Definitely worth considering if you are planning on upgrading.