Things a New Homeowner Should Do Immediately to Save Money (Part II)

In Part I of this series, we covered the first seven steps you can take to save money in your home. Below are the final seven steps, which can make a big difference in saving your money on your utility costs:

1. Replace your air-handling filter: When you first move in, you usually need to replace the air-handling filter (don’t worry, it’s easy to do). Go to your air-handling unit, find where the filter is (it’s almost always a large rectangle), and mark down the measurements (printed around the edges). Then, go to the hardware store and pick up a few of these. There are a few different selections so speak to a store associate to help you find the right one for your home and family. An outdated filter not only does not filter as well, it also has a negative impact on air flow, meaning your air-handling system has to work harder to pump out lower quality air.
   
   
2. Make sure the vents in all rooms are clear of dust and obstructions: None of the vents in your home should be covered or blocked by anything, which could make your heating and cooling system work overtime.
   
   
3. Install CFL and LED light bulbs in some locations: CFL and LED bulbs can save you a lot of money on energy use over the long haul, plus they have much longer lives than normal incandescent bulbs. Consider installing some in various places – we usually use CFL’s for hall lighting and LED bulbs for closet lighting.
   
   
4. Choose energy efficient appliances, even if you have to pay more up front: Unless you were lucky enough to buy a fully furnished home, you will likely have to do some appliance shopping. Focus on reliability and energy efficiency above all; even if it increases the cost you have to pay up front. A refrigerator that uses little energy and lasts twenty years is far cheaper over the long run than a fridge that runs for seven years and guzzles electricity.
   
   
5. Set up your home electronics with a surge protector: We all look forward to getting the television, cable box, DVD player, sound system, and video game console set up. When you install these electronics, use proper surge protection to protect your equipment. You might also want to consider a surge protector, which allows the on-off status of one device (say, the television) to control whether or not there’s power flowing to other devices.
   
   
6. Plant shade trees near your house: Shade trees naturally cool your home during those warm summer months, reducing the amount of direct rays that hit your house. Lowering the external temperature of your home saves significantly on your cooling bills during the summer, plus it increases your property value. Plant them now, so they will grow and shade your house sooner.
   
   
7. Hire a professional: Using the services of a professional electrician annually to check your electrical system is important to maintain your home and possibly prevent major problems in the future.

A licensed, bonded electrician can check your electrical panel, tighten any wires that need it, and can use an infrared tester to identify which circuit breakers are getting too hot in the panel.

These are easy, cost-effective ways to provide your family an extra measure of protection against electrical costs and problems. Contact a professional electrician who can provide professional expertise and ease of mind.