11 Inexpensive, Easy Changes to Save Money in your Home

          Ever thought about how your home affects the Earth and your wallet? Our blog spills the beans on everyday habits you might not realize impact the environment. In the middle of our busy lives, it's easy to forget that our homes play a big role in keeping the planet healthy. We'll show you an easy way to check your house and find where you're using too much water and energy. Fixing these things doesn't just help the Earth – it saves you money too! Join us in the blog to discover simple tricks to make your home eco-friendly without the fuss!

1. Energy Efficiency:

1.a. Inspect Your Appliances:

Start by checking your household appliances, such as the refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine. Ensure they are set to the most energy-efficient options. Older appliances tend to be less energy-efficient. If your budget allows, consider upgrading to Energy Star-rated appliances. These appliances are designed to meet strict energy efficiency guidelines, helping you save both energy and money while reducing your environmental impact.

You should perform regular maintenance, such as cleaning air filters in HVAC systems and dryer vents, as well as cleaning the coils of your refrigerator to maintain optimal performance, improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

1.b. Unplug Unused Electronics:

Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when turned off - using "phantom" or "vampire" energy. Unplug chargers, appliances, and electronics when not in use, or use smart power strips to completely cut off power to these devices. This small step can contribute to a significant reduction in energy consumption over time. 

Shop here: https://www.amazon.com/smart-power-strip/s?k=smart+power+strip

1.c. Seal Leaks and Gaps:

Go around your home and check for drafts around windows and doors. If you find any, use weather stripping or caulk to seal those gaps. This helps keep the warmth in during winter and the cool air in during summer, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning.

1.d. Switch to LED or CFL Bulbs:

Traditional incandescent bulbs consume more energy and have a shorter lifespan compared to LED bulbs. Make the switch to LED or CFL lighting throughout your home. These alternatives consume less energy, last longer, and produce less heat. Making this simple switch not only conserves resources but also saves you money on your electricity bill in the long run.

1.e. Conduct a Water Heater Check:

Water heaters also use up a lot of energy in homes. Lower the thermostat on your water heater to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) to save energy while still staying cozy. Consider using programmable thermostats for better temperature control. Additionally, consider insulating your water heater and the first few feet of hot and cold water pipes connected to it to reduce heat loss and save energy.

2. Water Conservation:

2.a. Fix Leaks:

Start by checking for any leaks in your plumbing fixtures. Even a small drip from a faucet, pipes or a running toilet can waste a lot of water over time. Check the pipes under sinks, around toilets, and in the basement regularly for leaks or wet spots. Also, see if there are leaks in outdoor faucets and hoses. Make sure your sprinklers are spraying the right way and not watering the sidewalk or driveway.  Fixing these problems right away can save tons of water every day and can make your water bill lower.

2.b. Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures:

Consider replacing your older faucets and showerheads with low-flow alternatives as well as a dual-flush toilet to reduce water consumption. These fixtures are designed to maintain water pressure while using less water, helping you save both water and energy used to heat it.

2.c. Garden and Landscaping:

Outside your home, you can do things to save resources too. Plant native plants in your yard – they usually need less water and care. Put down mulch to keep the soil moist so you don't have to water as much.

You can also set up a rain barrel to collect rainwater for your plants. It's an easy way to save water and not always rely on treated tap water for your garden.

Check this out for native plants you can plant on your yard:

https://www.epicgardening.com/new-york-native-plants/

3. Waste Reduction:

3.a. Practice Recycling:

Make sure your home is part of recycling efforts. Keep recyclables separate from regular trash, and know what can and can't be recycled in your neighborhood.

3.b. Compost Kitchen Waste:

Instead of throwing organic kitchen waste into the trash, start a compost bin. Composting not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also provides nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

3.c. Choose Reusable Products:

Choose reusable items such as water bottles, shopping bags, and containers. This way, we reduce the use of single-use plastics and make less trash.

              Conducting a quick house check to identify areas of resource wastage is a simple yet impactful step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. By making smart choices and implementing these simple changes, we help the planet, save money on bills, and make our homes work better. Remember, even little actions can make a big difference when it comes to protecting our planet.