.png?width=375&height=150&name=MicrosoftTeams-image%20(63).png "MicrosoftTeams-image (63)")
Tonya Dove
Just think of all of the things you can do with the money you save!
Owning your home often saves you a lot of money vs renting in the long run. Here are some lesser known tips from Ruoff Mortgage, to help you save even more money.
You Spin Me Right Round
Ceiling fans are not just an 80's home style trend. They're also a budget friendly way to keep air moving and utility costs down. Keep in mind: fans should blow air down in the summer and should pull the air up in the winter.
Wax On, Wax Off
A dripping faucet or running toilet can really add up over time. A leak may be as simple as hardware that needs tighten or a wax seal (aka wax ring) needing replaced (or your issue may be a little more in depth). Thankfully, there are limitless how-to videos on YouTube for any and every repair! (Bonus tip: Add a brick
Learn it... do it: how to change a wax ring
You Need to Vent
Blocked or clogged air vents will make your heating and cooling systems work over-time (and yes, cost you more money). Clean your vents on a regular basis. You can even clean out your air ducts yourself!
Drop it Like it's Hot
Set the temp on your water heater to 120 degrees or less. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, tap water at 140+ degrees can cause severe burns. Anything hotter than 120 is just too hot and a waste of money to heat.
Dirty Deeds
Dirt and grime built up on your refrigerator's condenser coils causes it to work harder (and you guessed it, costs you more money). Regardless if you know what the heck a condenser coil is or not, here's a quick tutorial on how to clean it.
Don't Beat Around the Bush
Did you know that a build up of weeds and bushes that are too close can cause your HVAC unit to run less efficiently? Yank those puppies out of there to save some moola!
Can't Touch This
Damaged or inadequate insulation not only causes you to have a higher heating bill, it can also cause issues like ice dams (these are bad news), unsteady temps and unwelcome breezes in your home.
Check out this easy guide from the Department of Energy on attic insulation to learn more. DIY insulating (it's easier than you think)! While you're at it, check out:
- Energy.gov's savings project: Insulate your water heater tank
A La Commode
Place a water bottle, brick or other dense item in your toilet's tank to take up space to save water and stop flushing away your money. Also, don't flush tissues and other trash. Want to go hardcore? Learn the "if it's yellow, let it mellow" rule.
#NoFilter
You should change your furnace and air conditioner filters on a regular basis. Not only does this help you breathe a little easier, it also makes your unit run more efficient. You guessed it... this saves you money! Take a minute to read the importance of keeping your air filter clean.
Many electric companies offer free energy audits that show you where your utility dollars are going. While the audit itself won't save you money, many of the remedies your auditor recommends are likely to be inexpensive DIY projects like leaky windows or missing insulation, and you'll see the difference in your bills once you make any recommended upgrades or repairs [source: Energy Star].
Bonus: Many states give tax incentives for energy saving additions to your home! For a full list of homeowner tax benefits, download our free e-book!
