Owning a house is expensive. You might have thought buying the property would be the last time you would hand over a large portion of your savings for the house, yet month after month your money seems to vanish into an endless sea of housing expenses. If you want to stop drowning in bills, you need to figure out where you’re spending the most money each month and plug these financial leaks. Here are a few places you can start looking.
Your bills
No one can live without indoor plumbing, electricity, and wifi nowadays, but that doesn’t mean you should let your energy providers rob you. Check how much you’re paying each month, then compare your bills to other providers such as TXU Energy or any others you find on Uswitch. If it turns out you can get a better deal elsewhere on any of your providers, then switch as soon as you can. Another way to reduce your bills is to cut down on your energy consumption. Start by switching to energy efficient LED bulbs, unplugging all appliances you’re not using, and insulating your home so you don’t need to turn up your thermostat as much.
Insulation
If switching off your appliances doesn’t reduce your bills as much as you hoped, then it’s time to think bigger. Around 25 percent of the heat lost in an uninsulated house literally goes through the roof, so why not look into insulating your attic and roof. Effective insulation will slow the rate that heat escapes from your house in winter, and will also slow the rate that heat gets into your house during the summer. In short; it will keep your house at the optimum temperature, so you don’t have to spend as much money keeping it warm. Heat also escapes through the cracks in old windows, so it might be a good idea to look into double-glazing.
Home improvements
One of the biggest downsides of owning a house versus renting is that you are responsible for fixing things that get broken, whether it’s due to wear and tear, or accidents in the home. Sometimes the best way to save money is by doing little things by yourself. When things break around the house, try doing your own home repairs; blocked sinks, leaky faucets, and holes in the wall should be easy enough for any novice to handle once they’ve consulted internet guides. Doing minor repairs and a few basic home improvements yourself can keep your home in good condition for longer, putting off the need for a handyman. However, you should remember to call a professional if things appear to be above your level of expertise.
Conserve water
Water is a precious, life-giving resource, yet up to a third of the drinking water that comes into the typical Western home goes straight down the toilet. Conserving water will save you money on your bills. Save baths for special occasions, don’t use a dishwasher until it’s full, and save flushing for when you really need it.
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