When it comes to saving money, there are a few ways you can do so. Some of these methods include insulating your hot water heater and sealing up any cracks or holes in your home. Other techniques you can use to save money include using solar-powered lights or refinishing your kitchen or bathroom.
Refinishing bathrooms and kitchens
Refinishing your bathroom and kitchen is a great way to save both time and money. It is also one of the most popular home improvement projects. A minor refinishing job can cost upwards of $10,500. To keep costs down, you can do it yourself or hire a pro. Luckily, the internet has given us a myriad of tools and resources to help.
For instance, if you’re in Southern California, you can find a plethora of free services like GreatBuildz, which connects homeowners with contractors. Not only can you find a qualified professional for your needs, you can also sign up for a free home improvement budgeting tool. From there, you can find out which projects cost the most and which ones will save you the most cash.
Sealing up cracks that cause energy loss
If you are in the market for an energy efficient home then you have a few options. The best one is to check with your local governing body to see what they are doing. Aside from the obvious insulation upgrades, you can reduce your energy bills by sealing up the small gaps in your windows and doors. While these fixes may not sound like much fun, they could save you a bundle on your utility bill. For instance, a 1/8 inch hole in your door is equivalent to 2.4 inches in your wall.
You will also want to consider the state of your heating and cooling system. This is important because air leaks and a poorly tuned system will cause your HVAC to work hard to keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. To keep your costs down, you’ll want to get a home energy audit.
Insulating a hot water heater
If you are looking to make your home more energy efficient, insulating a hot water heater is a quick and easy way to do it. You can save up to 7 to 16 percent of your water heating costs by insulate your water heater.
Older water heaters often need to be insulated to keep them from losing too much heat. Using blankets to insulate your water heater is a fast and inexpensive way to make it more energy efficient. In addition to preventing heat loss, it will help keep the temperature consistent in your water tank.
There are several different types of insulation blankets available. They can be made from fiberglass, denim, foil, or other materials. The material of the blanket affects its R-value, which measures thermal resistance.
Solar-powered lights
Solar-powered lights are an environmentally friendly way to improve your home’s look and functionality. They are also cost effective. It is estimated that solar-powered lights can save you up to $100 a year.
Solar-powered high-intensity lights are used to highlight landscape features and help illuminate dark areas of your property. These lights can be purchased as standalone kits or can be installed with small solar panels. The solar panels provide power to the fixtures, and the lights turn on automatically as darkness falls.
In addition to using renewable energy, these lights are designed to be maintenance-free. Many include a darkness sensor, which turns on automatically when it becomes dark outside.
Solar lights are available in various styles. Depending on your needs, you can choose from spotlights, floodlights, deck lights, or decorative lanterns.
Selling older refrigerators online
It is common for households to replace older refrigerators with energy efficient models. This is good for the environment and helps you to save money. In addition, your old refrigerator can be recycled.
The internet makes it easy to find an appliance for sale. You should spend some time searching for the best deals. While some online outlets may not take your old fridge, it is still worth a look.
Craigslist is a great place to search for used appliances. You can list them for free and even get cash for them. However, you should be careful about spam messages. Read the fine print.
Another option is to visit a local scrap metal yard or recycling center. Some of these places will buy your old appliances for cash, but some will pay you for other things, such as aluminum cans.
