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3 Simple Ways To Save Energy (and Money) At Home

June 21, 2019 Lower energy bills and higher savings balances? Yes, please! With a few simple home improvements and some easy tweaks to your daily routine, you can have both – all while reducing your impact on the environment. Check out these ways to save energy (and money) around the house:

1. Take Control of the Temperature With a Programmable Thermostat

Did you know you can save up to 10 percent on heating and cooling costs by investing in a ? Plus, you may be able to get a when you buy one. These devices automatically lower your home’s temperature in the winter and raise it in the summer, but still to your liking. You can also schedule a lower temperature for night time, so you don’t forget. You’ll save energy without even realizing it, and your new thermostat will pretty much pay for itself over time. Live in an apartment? Your ceiling fan is going to be your best friend in the summer. Plus, curtains can help keep your space cool by blocking the sun’s hot rays – cute and cost-efficient!

2. Wash Wisely and Lower Your Water Heater Temperature by 10 Degrees

The water we use to shower, wash dishes and do laundry can add up fast. The good news is that saving is actually pretty easy – just lower the temperature of your water heater from the typical 140 degrees to 130 degrees, and you could save 3 to 5 percent on energy costs. Let your appliances do some of the work for you (you work hard enough as it is!) and consider installing low-flow and that reduce your water use. Once again, your investment will pay for itself and saving energy in your home will prove blissfully simple. Beyond these simple home improvements, there are a few things we should all be doing to save more energy like only washing full loads of laundry and dishes, and air drying whenever possible. Plus, air drying your clothes can actually help them last longer, so that’s even more money savings!  

3. Unplug and Power Down Common Household Appliances and Devices

It’s hard to believe, but many household devices – from TVs and DVD players to microwaves and coffee makers – consume energy even when they aren’t being used. It’s a phenomenon known as , and it can account for around 10 percent of your energy bill. Yikes! The remedy? Unplug these devices when you aren’t using them or use a power strip to turn off power to multiple devices with a single switch. You can even set reminders on your phone if you need an extra nudge. Another energy waster? Charging your cell phone at night (we all do it!). The truth is, it only takes a few hours to reach maximum charge, but it still uses energy the entire time. Do yourself a favor and charge while you’re cooking dinner or catching up on a show. Then, go to bed without your phone – you’ll sleep better, use less energy AND save money. Win-win-win! With these simple tips, you’ll know how to use less energy at home, which can save you more money moving forward. Want to read up on more ways to live sustainably and save money? Check out our tips and tricks for . You might also be interested in Whew – what a journey! has officially come to a close, and these four teams have been impressive. And they’re leaving this program with less debt, mo Financial success isn’t how much money you have — it’s feeling good about what you’re doing with the money you have. How can we help you avoid difficult money situations and put you in the best financial position for success? This question is at the heart of so many things we do here as your financial partner – including our decision to eliminate the non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee as of April 1. Are you struggling to come up with the perfect New Year’s resolution? Here are three great reasons why focusing on your finances should be a priority this year! It’s not every day that someone gives you hundreds, or maybe even thousands, of dollars for (seemingly) no reason. That’s what makes getting a tax return so exciting. So before that much-anticipated check arrives, stop and consider what you should do with your tax refund, as well as what you want to do. Simple, everyday choices can reduce consumption and our impact on the environment. Learn ways to be more eco-friendly…and your spending at the same time! Sometimes having a little extra cash is the only thing between you and your dreams. Check out these financial tips to be smart about borrowing money and avoid common mistakes. With a little planning, you may be able to actually save a little money during the holidays. Check out these tips to keep costs down without missing out on the holiday fun. Your home is your castle, your refuge and—let’s face it—a place where it can be very easy to sink a big chunk of money. Which is why you’re always on the lookout for “sweet spots”:  those home improvements that add comfort, safety or a little zing of style while you’re living in your house and will boost the asking price when it’s time to sell. And if you can find a way to save money on those improvements or cut home expenses at the same time, well that sweet spot just got a little sweeter! 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