Better financial management should be a goal for all of us in the new year. Whether you have one dollar in the bank or a million dollars, there’s always room for improvement. Believe it or not, small changes around the house can have a huge impact on your bottom line. While our winter in Jacksonville has been relatively mild so far, it’s hard to predict the temperature in the coming months. From basic window maintenance benefits to reducing water usage, here are our top tips to save money this season.
Evaluate the State of Your Windows, Doors and HVAC
These three home features are most prone to energy leakage. Even the smallest cracks or broken seals can cause your home to release expensive heating and air. Your first step is to thoroughly inspect for openings around your door frames, weathered window stripping and an uninsulated crawlspace/attic.
If you can see any daylight shine through your door frame, the solution is weather stripping. If you see cracks or warping in your window frames/panes, professional window maintenance
is the answer. Blow-in insulation or more pro-level materials can fix any issues you notice in the attic or crawlspace.
Keep it to a Minimum in the Laundry Room
The washer and dryer are two of the main culprits for energy loss in your home. These two appliances use energy and heat to get the job done. Unfortunately, clean clothes can mean a high energy bill for your family. We’re certainly not suggesting you walk around in dirty outfits, but we do suggest you consolidate your laundry habits.
Minimize the frequency of loads by filling each cycle with as much clothing as possible and sticking to cold water. Another great solution to cheaper energy costs is to hang dry your laundry instead of running it through the machine.
Miscellaneous Efforts that Make a Huge Difference
Don’t sleep on the small stuff. Even the simplest measures can save you hundreds every year on your home operating costs.
- Keep the garage door closed to trap warm air inside your home and prevent it from leaking out.
- Reverse the ceiling fans to keep warm air at ground level.
- Unplug your unused appliances to prevent “phantom energy usage”. Even appliances not in use account for a small percentage of your annual energy costs.
- Take a minute to adjust your water heater settings. The recommended temperature is 120-degrees, so anything hotter can cost you.
Invest in Small Maintenance to Prevent Excessively High Operating Costs
Even the simplest steps can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars every single year. These efforts may seem tedious at the time, but your future self will thank you for the worthwhile investment.
As we close out 2020 and enter a bright new year, take the time to set yourself up financially. Instead of spending the extra money you have from lower utility bills, consider investing in savings or an IRA. Give your CPA a call for tips on financial literacy, and give American Window Products a call to experiences the clear window maintenance benefits. Cheers to a new year!