As the holiday season winds down and we look ahead to a bright new year, many of us devise resolutions to do things differently, or even better. So if you’re making New Year resolutions, why not resolve to save money in your Asheville home? Here are some simple tips from Asheville home inspector Peter Young.
The Kitchen
Turn it off! Leaving the oven or stove burners on is a waste of energy. Always double check to make sure you turned them off after cooking.
Keep it clean! Remove the grill cover under the fridge at least quarterly and vacuum under there. If a mountain of dust accumulates, it can make the refrigerator work harder, costing you money in electricity. Also, be sure to pull the fridge forward once or twice a year and make sure the coils are free of dust and webs.
Eat in! This seems like a no-brainer, but eating in more saves you money that you could use for other purposes, such as buying that new dishwasher you’ve been wanting but putting off for budgetary reasons. Buying and cooking your own food is healthier, too, since you choose the ingredients and portion sizes.
Energy Star! Speaking of dishwashers, refrigerators, and other appliances, save money in your Asheville home by checking labels when it’s time to replace those appliances. The higher the Energy Star number, the more power you will save over time through use of the appliances.
Go green! Instead of using all those napkins and paper towels, try it the way Grandma used to do it. That means using sponges, rags, and dishtowels to wipe down countertops and stovetops. Also, be sure to let the dishwasher fill up before you run it, and be sure to unplug small appliances like coffee makers and toasters when they’re not in use.
The Bathroom
Royal Flush! If your toilet needs replacing, look for a model that uses less water. These days you can even find toilets with two flush handles – one for small jobs, and the other when you really need extra flushing power.
Bath Time! Save those long, luxurious bubble baths for special occasions. Bath lovers need to clean the tub more often. Baths use considerably more water than showers, and all that extra cleaning can be a waste of resources. Also, try taking shorter showers, and unless you absolutely must have your water extra hot and steamy, try a slightly cooler setting to save both water and gas/electricity (depending upon how you heat your water).
Home Brew! Stop wasting money on toilet bowl cleaners. Toss some baking soda into the toilet bowl, and then add a half-cup of distilled white vinegar. You should see some bubbling as the two substances come together. Leave the mixture in the toilet for 5-10 minutes, and then scrub it out with a toilet brush. If you have a septic tank, this mixture is better for the system than harsh chemicals. It’s also better for you. Increase your savings by purchasing store brands, rather than name brands.
Go With the Low Flow! Remember the showerhead episode on Seinfeld? Save water by installing a low-flow or adjustable flow showerhead. An adjustable flow showerhead allows you to increase the flow when you need it.
The Bedroom
Draw the Curtains! Heavy curtains over windows can help keep your bedroom warm in the winter and cool in the summer by adding a layer of insulation. In the summer they block light and heat. In the winter they help keep the cold at bay.
A“Piece of Caulk!” Speaking of windows, check around them for air leaks. If you find any, seal them up with a tube of caulk. No caulking gun? Don’t let that stop you. You can buy smaller containers of caulk in squeeze tubes that require only your fingers.
Don’t Heat the Closet! Keep closet doors closed when not in use. Open closets effectively increase the amount of space your heater or AC has to cover. Save money by keeping those doors shut. Your clothes won’t mind a bit.
Strip That Power At Night! Shut off electronic devices at the end of the day. Get a surge protector power strip with a switch you can just turn off, rather than having to unplug everything separately. What devices should you power down at night? Start with your modem and Wi-Fi router. Unless you’re a sleepwalking web surfer, you don’t need these running while you sleep. Also, be sure to turn off lights at night. If you are the type who doesn’t like complete darkness, get a very low wattage nightlight. If you’re the type who falls asleep in front of the TV at night, get a timer to shut down the TV’s power after an hour or so.
The Laundry Room
Dial Down the Heat! Use warm water instead of hot. It can cut your load’s energy use in half. Using cold will save you even more, especially if you use a “cold water” detergent.
Haul the Big Load! Speaking of washing machines, hold off on that load until the washer is full. You’ll use the same amount of power to wash a small load or big load, so do yourself a favor, be patient, and save money and energy. Do the same with the dryer. If the load is too large it takes longer to dry. If the load is too small it’s not energy efficient. One more tip: change loads while the dryer is still hot to save even more energy.
Become Lint-Free! Don’t let lint collect in your dryer’s lint trap. Your dryer will run much more efficiently. If you use dryer sheets, be sure to clean the lint trap monthly with a toothbrush. Film can build up that restricts air circulation. Speaking of lint, be sure to keep your dryer vents clear. If you can’t feel warm air coming from the vent outside the house, then your vent is clogged. Want to learn how to clean it yourself? Click here and let Frugally Blonde show you how.
Buying or Selling a Home?
Don’t sign on the dotted line without calling Peter Young Home Inspections. Call 828-808-4980, or click the link below to make an appointment.
