‘Twas just the season for breaking your budget! From hostess gifts to stocking stuffers to holiday hams, it’s easy to get caught up in Christmas cheer and stretch your budget a bit too thin. If you’re dreading your credit card looming credit card payments, you might be looking for places to save money in the new year.
One easy way to trim some fat in your monthly budget is to lower your home heating and water costs. Wondering how to cut utility spending? Here are four tips to help get you started.
1. Don’t Take Baths
We’re not saying to ignore basic hygiene completely, but you should be smart about it. Depending on the size of your tub, it can take up to 70 gallons of water to fill it. Aim for short showers instead to cut utility spending. Set a kitchen timer for five minutes, and make it a race against the clock for kids. You can also turn off the water while washing your hair. WaterUseItWisely.com estimates you’ll save 150 gallons a month by doing so!
2. Turn off the Tap
Years ago, “Sesame Street” had a great cartoon with a little boy brushing his teeth and washing his hands. As the water in the bathroom ran, a nearby pond quickly drained. Right before his home dried up, Frank the Fish called to intervene and Carl learned a valuable lesson: Don’t waste water.
WaterUseItWisely.com also found that turning off the water while you brush saves an average of four gallons of water a minute. For a family of four, that’s 200 gallons week you could be saving. Don’t waste water and you’ll cut your utility spending!
3. Install Energy-Efficient Windows
Harrisburg replacement windows require an up-front investment, but you’ll be happy you made the switch. Not only will you add value to your home and make it look better, but your utility bills will dramatically decrease all year round.
Renewal by Andersen® Low-E4® glass is up to 56 percent more energy-efficient in the summer and 45 percent more efficient in the winter than traditional dual-pane glass. That means you’ll see an average savings of 25 percent on your energy bills after installing replacement windows for your Harrisburg home!
4. Lower the Thermostat
Sure, central heat is convenient but cranking the thermostat to a consistent 72 degrees is just not practical. Energy.gov recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter when you’re awake. Turn the thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees while you’re asleep or at work, and you may save up to 15 percent a year on your heating bill. How’s that for cutting your utility spending?
We hope these tips help you start your 2015 budget off on the right foot!
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