16 Tricks to Cut Down on Home Expenses

      There's no denying that living costs can be high. In my experience, my home continuously presents me with unforeseen expenses. With utility bills, maintenance costs, and all those "essential" decorative items (every now and then, we all crave a decor update), managing my finances feels like an ongoing struggle. A recent study revealed that a lack of financial understanding can lead to an average loss of over $5,000 annually for households. Personally, I can't afford to be uninformed, especially in today's economy. As a result, I set out to explore and implement solutions to better manage my household expenses.

      To my surprise, there are numerous methods to reduce home expenses, many of which I had overlooked. With advice from experts and some personal strategies I've tried and trust, here are 16 tips to help you cut costs on your cable, water bills, and even decor updates, without compromising on comfort.

      **Implement energy-saving habits**

      1. **Opt for LED lightbulbs**

      Did you know LED lights consume at least 75 percent less energy? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if every household replaced just one incandescent bulb with an LED, it could save approximately $600 million in annual energy expenditures. Additionally, LEDs last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, meaning you won’t be buying light bulbs as frequently. Once I discovered this, I decided to switch to LEDs in my home and became an immediate fan. I’m fond of the range of shades and colors available, from classic fluorescent to warm soft hues (the dimmer, the better, in my view). There's a variety of sizes and shades, making a complete switch simple.

      2. **Avoid leaving everything switched on constantly**

      I come from a family that often kept lights on for our future selves, and I even used a nightlight for years. Sometimes, when I’m running late, I catch myself worrying if my bedroom ceiling fan is still whirling with the lights on. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy indicates that residential homes account for approximately 21 percent of total energy consumption in the U.S., leading me to wonder how much lower that percentage could be if we stopped leaving everything on all the time.

      Even when devices like your coffee maker, clock, and other appliances seem dormant, they still consume energy when plugged in. Consider unplugging devices when going away for a trip or a long weekend, and strive to avoid keeping your desktop monitor, TV, and other small devices running continually!

      **Keep track of your water consumption**

      3. **Fix leaks and cracks promptly**

      Drips from a leaky faucet can waste gallons of water over time, along with the money that goes down the drain. Replacing a leaky faucet may cost under $10 and takes only a few minutes. If you live in an apartment, reaching out to your landlord or building manager to resolve these issues can save you both time and repair costs. I might not be the handiest person, but thanks to YouTube and TikTok, I've learned to handle a surprising number of home repairs with some online assistance.

      4. **Install a faucet aerator**

      A faucet aerator may sound complicated, but it’s simply a small attachment that screws onto your faucet's end. It combines air with water to decrease flow without reducing pressure, helping to conserve water while filtering out debris and minimizing noise and splashing. This means you’ll lower your water bills and avoid messy puddles by the sink. Best of all, it costs less than ten dollars and is available at local hardware stores.

      5. **Put in low-flow showerheads**

      Installing low-flow showerheads, which use less water than standard models, can significantly reduce your hot water usage, according to LaurieAnn King, co-CEO of Dow Janes. You won’t lose any comfort in your showers, but it might be worth cutting a few minutes from your routine while making the switch. I’m not suggesting you rush through your deep-conditioning mask, but practicing your work presentation while in the shower may not be the best plan. After all, reducing even one minute from your daily shower could save around 75 gallons monthly, as noted by the Regional Water Provider Consortium. That’s money you could redirect towards other wants, like your next hair mask.

      **Reassess your heating and cooling methods**

      6. **Cover your windows**

      You can keep your home cool during summer heat waves without significantly raising your electric bill. A simple way to do this is by covering your windows! According to energy.gov, roughly 30 percent of a home's heating or cooling energy escapes through windows, with about 76 percent of sunlight entering as heat. To combat this, try adding sun-blocking curtains or blinds. This doesn’t mean you must compromise your decor style or the appearance of your expansive glass windows. Simply closing the blinds when you leave home can make a substantial difference in regulating temperature. Plus, it’s a great way to explore your home