{"id":6169,"date":"2015-10-27T10:30:19","date_gmt":"2015-10-27T14:30:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=6169"},"modified":"2024-02-12T17:42:47","modified_gmt":"2024-02-12T22:42:47","slug":"easy-ways-to-save-money-on-household-expenses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/easy-ways-to-save-money-on-household-expenses\/","title":{"rendered":"Easy Ways to Save Money on Household Expenses"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2re like most homeowners, new ways to save money and reduce household expenses always peak your interest (especially right after you finish paying the mortgage, utility and tax bills!). \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Perhaps money is a little tight for your family right now or you\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2re saving up for a vacation, new car or college tuition. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Regardless, here are some easy ways to cut corners and lower some of your household costs so you’ll have a little extra cash at the end of the month.\"save<\/a><\/p>\n

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Stop Heating and Cooling an Empty House<\/em><\/h2>\n

Replace your old-fashioned round thermostat with a programmable thermostat<\/strong><\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0that you program so your furnace or A\/C come on automatically only when your home is occupied. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Or, you can upgrade even more and install a programmable\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201csmart\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d Internet thermostat<\/strong><\/a> that can also be controlled remotely using your smartphone or computer. If you are not sure which type of thermostat is right for you, read the article \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cShould You Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat?\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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Eliminate the Monthly Landline Phone Bill<\/em><\/h2>\n

\"CDMA<\/a>If you want to eliminate the monthly expense of landline phone service and still have telephone handsets in every room, you can replace your home\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s landline service with a device called a cellular terminal<\/a><\/strong>. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0If you already have a cellular plan, just add it to your current calling plan as another line.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Click here<\/strong><\/a> for more info on cellular terminals.<\/p>\n

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Save on Water<\/em><\/h2>\n

Homeowners who pay for water always complain about the cost. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0If you think your water bills are too high, a hose water meter attached to your garden hose is a low cost item that will pay for itself in no time.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 A hose water meter<\/strong><\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0shows you how many gallons of water are running through your hose so you can control your overall water usage and better judge when your lawn or plants have had enough to drink.<\/p>\n

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Dry Clothes for Less $$$<\/em><\/h2>\n

\"LintEater<\/a>Here\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s a really simple way to cut your electric bill \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 clean your dryer vent! Did you know that a clogged dryer vent results in inefficiency and higher operating costs? It also creates a potential fire hazard<\/a><\/strong>. You can remove the dangerous build-up of lint in the vent system yourself using a LintEater Dryer Vent Cleaning System<\/strong><\/a>. The LintEater system is easy to use and connects to any cordless power drill.<\/p>\n

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Reduce Cost of Running Appliances<\/em><\/h2>\n

Find out which appliances are using the most electricity with a simple device called a power meter<\/a><\/strong>. A wall outlet \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0power meter helps you identify which appliances are the biggest energy wasters so you can modify usage and potentially cut electric bills by as much as 10 to 20 percent. Go to \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cHow to Save Energy at Home Using a Power Meter\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d<\/a><\/strong> to learn how to reduce \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cvampire power\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d and become more energy efficient.<\/p>\n

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\"SmartPool<\/a>Use Free Solar Energy to Heat Pool<\/em><\/h2>\n

Save hundreds of dollars each month by replacing your gas or electric pool heating system with a DIY solar pool heater<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0that uses economical renewable energy. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0A solar heater can extend the swimming season by weeks so you’ll get more enjoyment from your pool and it’s better for the environment too. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0A solar pool heater system can be expanded easily and the payback period on your investment is typically only a couple of months.<\/p>\n

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Say Good-by to Professional Chimney and Gutter Cleaning Services<\/em><\/h2>\n

Cleaning the chimney once a year is important to prevent catastrophic chimney fires and reduce the smell of soot. Instead of paying a professional chimney sweep, invest in a do-it-yourself\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Sooteater Chimney Cleaning System<\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>that makes chimney cleaning an easy chore any homeowner.<\/p>\n

You can also clean blockages and debris from your home’s gutters using the VertaLok Gutter Cleaning Tool Kit<\/a><\/strong>. It attaches to your cordless drill and lets you clean gutters easily\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0(without climbing up on a ladder) so rain and melting snow drain away from your house instead of into your basement.<\/p>\n

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Budget Security<\/em><\/h2>\n

\"Securityman<\/a>Do you want to protect your home and property but can\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t afford an expensive home security system or the monthly service fees? \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0The good news is that there are many simple and vey affordable ways to deter thieves. Our favorites include:<\/p>\n