When you wake up in the morning, you don’t want to slip out of the covers, and it’s not just because you were having the most pleasant dream. It’s because it’s too cold. As you layer up to shuffle into the living room, you’re desperate to crank up the heat just a little more — OK, maybe a couple of degrees. Finally, you can feel more at ease. Until you look at your heating bill for January and February, and your heart freezes over with shock.
Most people never consider these 4 financial moves — and they’re leaving thousands on the table.
Whether you’re experiencing conditions that would make the abominable snowman grab their parka or stuck in a heatwave that makes you want to live with your head in the freezer, you’ll likely be dealing with higher utility bills. That is, unless you learn a few simple hacks for cutting those bills.
By making a few simple purchases, you can save big on your utility bills throughout the seasons. Here are some of the best investments to help cut costs.
Window Insulation Kits
Having windows to gaze out of can bring cheer to your day, but in the cold months, they can also be a source of drafts and chill that compel you to crank up the heat. With a window insulation kit, which usually comes with an easy-to-place and easy-to-remove wrap, you can reduce the cold and lower your heating bills.
A Duck brand rolled insulation kit at Walmart is under $10 and can help you save considerably on your heating bill.
Smart Thermostat
Want to make sure your home stays at a comfortable temperature while saving money and energy? Of course you do. Installing a smart thermostat ensures that you’re not heating or cooling your space when you’re not home to enjoy it, which can lead to major savings on your utility bill.
Simply put, saving energy means saving money. You also get greater control over the temperature of your home, even when you’re away. Going to be out late? You can power down your thermostat remotely.
The New York Times’ top-recommended smart thermostat retails for $220 on Amazon and $250 at Home Depot and Lowe’s.
LED Lighting
Heating and cooling aren’t the only factors that drive up your bills. The lights you use can also contribute significantly to energy costs. Switching to LED lights saves energy by converting most of the energy they use into visible light, rather than wasting it as heat.
Since LED light bulbs also last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, you’ll save even more over time. You can snap up an eight-pack of LED lights from Home Depot for under $15.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Water and electricity are generally not a good combo, and this also applies to your utility bills. But you can reduce the costs associated with both by getting energy-efficient appliances. For example, dishwashers that use less electricity and water, as well as microwaves, ovens, and refrigerators that require less electricity to function, can significantly lower your bills.
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Of course, the prices of these appliances can vary, but to ensure you’re getting the best quality, look for items with the Energy Star logo. This indicates that an appliance meets the criteria established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The Best Money You Can Spend To Cut Your Utility Bills in Half
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