Save Energy While Staying Home

One great way to save money and to have extra money to invest is to save energy in the house. There are many easy ways to save energy and to, therefore, save money over the long term. While these changes won't add up to immediate money in your pocket, and you won't feel like you are making a difference, you really are. Certainly, along with the environmental difference that you're making, you'll also be saving money. After a year of working to save energy in the home, you should see a difference in your electric bill and in other areas of your savings. Here are many tips that should help you on your way to a more energy efficient home - and to added savings.

Save with Water

Repair leaky drains when you have them. This can save 212 gallons of water a month - and can reduce your water bill each month. Replace your showerheads with low-flow ones to save 10-16% of the water heating costs you have, and to reduce your water usage significantly. Insulate your water pipes so that you can have hot water faster, and save money on heating the water.

Save with Heat

Seal your cooling and heating ducts to save up to 25% on your home energy bill. You can save between 4 and 9% on your water heating costs by insulating the hot water heater. It can also cut down on your CO2 emissions. You'll know if this is a good idea for your home if your hot water heater is warm when you touch it. Use low VOC caulk to stop leaks that you have around the windows and doors. Look around the light switches as well if you feel air coming in. When you put in insulation, or if you are repairing your insulation, make sure that they install it from the roof down to the foundation. This is the best way to have the most energy efficiency.

Save with Electricity

Ceiling fans are an amazing way to save money each year. They cut down on air conditioning costs by as much as 40% in the summer and they circulate the warm air downwards in the winter, helping with the winter heating bill. The one time cost of installing them is nothing compared to the long term savings! If you have an electric hot water heater, make sure to turn it off when you aren't using it. If you don't, then install a timer on it so that it's only on for brief periods. Install solar outdoor lighting. While it costs something to install, the lights will run for free after the initial costs - now that's long term savings! Replace all light bulbs with CLF's. Just one bulb can save you $30 on your electric bill over the bulb's lifespan. 5 bulbs can add up to a savings of 50% on annual lighting expenses! Install lighting controls and timers on all of your lights. They increase security and they decrease your expenditure.

Some of these ideas are certainly easier to implement than others. Even doing simple things like dressing warmer in the winter and turning down the thermostat can have a big impact on your finances. The more that you try to conserve and be careful about your energy and home expenditures, the more of a difference it will make in your budget. And hopefully, this will give you more to save and invest as a result!