With inflation at an increase we find ourselves stressed out every time we see how much we’re actually spending on utilities or on routine home maintenance. Sometimes you might feel like there is nothing you can do about these things because they are an absolutely necessity. Having electricity, running water, gas, and a roof over your head that doesn’t leak is a necessity, but it doesn’t mean that when something goes wrong in your home you can’t fix it yourself. Or you can’t reduce you monthly utility bills by making a few changes in your habits or by simply changing a light bulb. Here are a few tips that could be useful to some.
1. All in one. Combine your cable, Internet, an phone line to one company. You do get better deals when you use one company for all three services. When you first sign on a lot of these companies will have package deals which will save you a lot of money the first couple of months. Make sure you ask what your monthly rate will be once the first time customer introdutory price ends.
2. Doing your own home repairs. We know that having a clogged sink or a roof leak can be devastating to our bank accounts. So instead of calling a plumbing service at first sight of the clog, look online for some resources on how to do it yourself. You can also purchase some guides at your local Home Depot or Orchards to read on how to make repairs. Calling a repair service company could cost you an arm and a leg, don’t use this option unless you find it almost impossible for you to do it.
3. Replace your AC filter. When in use during summer days, manufacturers recommend to replace your AC system filters every 90 days. We say it is better to change it every 60 days. Not only does it help the system perform more efficiently and in doing so it saves more energy.
4. Install CFL or LED bulbs. Intially you will have to spend a little more on purchasing these type of bulbs, but in the long run it will be better to have replaced your existing light bulbs with CFL or LED bulbs. CFL bulbs tend to use up to 25%j of the electricity that is being used by incandescent bulbs, and LED use up to 2%. Not only do these bulbs use less energy, but they also have a longer life span.
5. Buy generic or store brand items. Next time you go shopping try to buy things that are generic. For example a lot of over the counter medicine has a generic/store brand shelfed right next to it, buy the generic. You will find that the only difference is the marketing that surrounds the name. Eventually you’ll make it a habit to purchase only generic which will save you everytime you do.
6. Keep up with the maintenence on your appliances. The last thing you want to have to worry about is buying a new washer or dryer or better yet a new refridgerator due to something that could have been avoided. Behind your appliances you will see some vents and sometimes you will find dust clogged in the vents. Simply take out your vacuum and gently clear away any dust you see. The less dust accumulated in the mechanics of your appliance, the more efficiently they will run and the longer they will last.
