12 Ways to Lower Energy Bills AND be More Eco-friendly!

Saving energy doesn’t always mean getting new appliances, installing insulation, or replacing windows. Even if you live in a brand new, super efficient home, there are plenty of ways to lower your energy bills and protect the environment.

1.     Use your laundry machines wisely. Cutting costs on laundry is easy… Simply stop using heat whenever possible, pack the right amount of clothing into the machines, and do laundry at night.

2.     Use the dishwasher wisely. Utilize the same tactics as the laundry machines. Primarily, reduce the amount of heat you use, and load the machine as efficiently as possible.

3.     Replace air filters monthly. Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing the HVAC system to run longer and use more energy. And check your vents. If they’re closed, open them! Closing vents will actually raise your energy costs.

4.     Actually program the programmable thermostat! A lot of energy costs come from heating and cooling empty (or unused) spaces. Program the thermostat to warm or cool your home when you’re actually there, and to switch off when you’re away or asleep.

5.     Close the door. Close attic, basement, garage and exterior doors to prevent drafts and keep in heat or A/C.

6.     Unplug electronics.  Any electronic gizmo that stays plugged in when not in use is sucking up your money. Do a nightly sweep to make sure all your electric devices are turned off before you go to bed. It may be a pain, but the savings from simply turning everything off can add up quickly. 

7.     Consider your light bulbs. Turn off lights you aren’t using. Replace 60-watt light bulbs with compact fluorescents or LEDs.

8.     Set the water heater at 120 degrees. Not only does heating your water too hot create the danger of scalding, it costs you cash. The EPA estimates that a heater set at 140 degrees or higher can waste $36 to $61 annually in standby heat losses to keep water at that temperature, and more than $400 to bring fresh water up to that temperature.

9.     Take a shower instead of a bath. And install a low-flow aerator or flow restrictor on an existing showerhead.  By doing both, you’ll use less water.

10. Think before you cook. The stove or oven may not always be the best choice. Crockpots or a microwave oven may be more energy efficient.

11. Help your refrigerator/freezer work more efficiently. Leave room in front of a refrigerator/freezer to allow cold air to circulate better. Since frozen food stays cold longer than air, it’s good to keep the freezer full, but not packed.

12. Soften those rays. Closing the curtains and lowering the blinds on the sunny side of your house will help keep you cooler on hot days.

So it's Time to Make the Big Move!

The thought of owning your own home may have always seemed like something for the distant future. As one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, it’s easy to find reasons why the timing just isn’t quite right.  Despite the hesitation you may have, owning your own home can add incredible value not only in the future, but right now too! Here’s why it’s time to make the big move.

First Off, You CAN Afford It. In all but two of the top 100 biggest US housing markets was it cheaper to buy than rent a home. In fact, buying a home is currently about 23% cheaper for millennials than renting one.  Interest rates are nearing record lows, and homes are more affordable than ever. You may have felt like renting is a safer bet, but really, you’re getting a lot more mileage for your dollar when you buy. How?

You Build Equity. In a sense, paying your mortgage is a form of savings.  With each payment, a portion goes toward reducing the amount you owe, increasing your equity as a result.  It also increases as your home appreciates over time.  With sound equity, you can qualify for home equity loans, which can be used to help pay off medical, educational and other expenses you may have.

You Enjoy Added Tax Deductions. Unlike renting where your hard earned dollar simply disappears into your landlord’s pocket, your home expenses can actually reduce the amount you pay in income taxes.  Mortgage interest, property taxes and even certain closing costs may all be tax deductible, and in the first couple of years when interests are a big part of your mortgage payments, this could mean a lot more money back in your wallet.

You Can Build Strong Credit.  As long as you’re paying your monthly loan payments on time, you’re proving to other lenders that you’re low risk.  In the future, when other large purchases or expenses arise, you’ll have a better case for getting that loan.  It’s important to plan for the future, but remember you can’t predict everything…

Don’t Try and Time it Perfectly.  Waiting for the “right” season or timing isn’t a guarantee.  For starters, despite there typically being more homes on the market in the spring, competition can be lower in the fall and winter months. If you’re building a home, starting the process now can get you a nice spring time move in.  A fall start can also be an advantage because builders can work through cold and snow, while heavy rain is a different story. 

In terms of value, you can’t predict where the market will be in a couple of years, but you can do the research and ask the right questions to make a smart decision now.  And when you do, you’ll enjoy the greatest benefit of all…

Creating the Perfect Home for YOU. Say no more to staring at that horrible floral wallpaper or bright pink bathroom tile your landlord couldn’t care less about.  But more importantly, owning a home means you can create a place that reflects your own unique personality and needs.  By taking advantage of all the freedom homeownership offers, it’s not just an investment, but also something much more meaningful.

Chained to your current house?