9 Hidden Home Saving Tips
Whether you are a 1st time homebuyer or have been a homeowner for years, there are a number of ways to save money in your home that you may not know about. We have rounded up the 9 best tips from in-house specialists and real estate experts.
Insurance
- Invest in a modern security system
- Home security can, on average, save 20% with insurance discount.
- Choose a safe neighborhood
- Homes may cost more to insure neighborhood safety but it’s worth it.
- Make sure the electrical is updated
- Home electrical problems cause millions of property losses per year according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Energy - Make sure to check your states for weatherization tax credits, rebates, and discounts for saving energy on your home.
- Update your type of insulation
- Insulation is a home’s best defense against energy loss saving hundreds of dollars per year depending on the type.
- Update your shower heads
- An efficient Watersense shower head can save approx. $100 a year in a 5 person household.
- Seal the cracks
- Around 12% of your home’s energy is wasted through windows and doors. If insulated correctly, the estimated savings can be 5-10% per year.
Appliances
- Set the fridge between 38-40 degrees
- Your fridge can account for nearly 15% of your total home energy use so not having the ideal temperature can affect your electricity bill.
- Dust the fridge and other vents
- Dirty and dusty coils can force your fridge to work less efficiently.
- Soften your water
- Hard water shortens life of water-reliant appliances so savings could be hundreds per year.
*Courtesy of SimpliSafe.com
* Specific loan program availability and requirements may vary. Please get in touch with your mortgage advisor for more information.