Squandering cash.

Wasting Cash on Your Home

Many of us are wasting money on our homes. Sometimes it can be a significant amount, sometimes not. Here are some of the biggest money wasters that may be in your home.

Are you still using traditional, incandescent light bulbs?

If yes, you’re throwing away a lot of money. Over it’s life span, an incandescent bulb uses $180 worth of electric. A compact fluorescent uses $41, and an LED bulb uses $30 over the same time period. Replace all the bulbs with LED bulbs and imagine the savings.

Leaking Faucets

Do you have any faucets that have a slow drip? One drop per second will waste over 3000 gallons per year. In addition to the cost of the water, sometimes we are in a water shortage period. If everyone repaired or replaced dripping faucets, think of what we would save.

Does your furnace have the proper filter?

Did you notice I didn’t ask if it was changed recently? Most everyone knows that is important, but not everyone changes it regularly. But if it’s the wrong size filter, that can also affect the furnace’s performance. And this can cost you money. Make sure you have the correct filter, and change it regularly.

The thermostat.

Invest in a programmable thermostat. Set it to heat the house when you are usually home. And have it let the heat turn down when you’re away. You can always override the program. Or go crazy and get an internet enabled thermostat. You can control the home’s temperature from a cell phone with an app.

Adjust your air vents.

Get a digital thermometer. Check the temperature in all rooms in the house. If some are warmer than others when the heat is on, close the vents a little. This will keep the home’s temperature a bit more even. This makes the entire house more comfortable, and will cost less to keep it that way.

Art Reiman – Realtor

732-598-7700