There are many ways to reduce household expenses and save money without sacrificing quality of life.
Switching to LED bulbs
One simple way to save money in the home is to switch from incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs. While LED bulbs may be a little more expensive at first, they last much longer and use much less energy, which means you'll save money in the long run.
Use energy-efficient appliances
Appliances are one of the biggest energy consumers in the home. Therefore, it is important to choose those that are energy efficient. When buying new appliances, look for those that have an energy efficiency label. Also, be sure to unplug appliances you are not using and use the automatic shut-off feature if available.
Another way to reduce energy consumption is to use the washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full. You can also air dry clothes instead of using the dryer. These small changes can make a big difference in your electricity bill in the long run.
Improve home insulation
One of the most effective ways to save money in the home is to improve the thermal insulation. This means reducing the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home, which translates into a lower energy bill. Here are some tips for improving thermal insulation:
- Install double-glazed windows;
- Seal all cracks and gaps in doors and windows;
- Add insulation to attic and exterior walls;
- Replace curtains with thicker ones or add thermal linings;
- Close doors and windows when you're not home to prevent heat or air conditioning leaks.
With these simple changes, you can save a great deal of money on your energy bill and also contribute to the care of the environment.
Program the thermostat
The thermostat is a device that regulates the temperature of the house and can be a great ally to save money. Ideally, it should be programmed to turn on and off automatically when we are not at home or during the night.
The recommended temperature for winter is 19 degrees Celsius during the day and 17 degrees at night. In summer, it is recommended to maintain a temperature of 24 degrees Celsius.
Take advantage of natural light
An easy and effective way to save money in your home is to make the most of natural light. Open curtains and blinds during the day to let in sunlight and turn off artificial lights when they are not needed.
You can also consider installing larger windows or adding skylights to increase the amount of natural light that enters your home. In addition, painting walls with light colors and using mirrors strategically can help reflect and diffuse natural light throughout the room.
Reduce water consumption in the shower and washing machine
One simple way to save money at home is to reduce water consumption in the shower and washing machine. Take shorter showers, try to reduce the time to less than 5 minutes, install a low-flow showerhead, don't use the washing machine until it is completely full, and use short or economical programs in the washing machine.
With these simple tips you can save money on your water bill and help the environment.
Cooking Efficiently
The kitchen is one of the most energy-intensive places in the home. To cook efficiently and save money on your electricity bill, use pots and pans with lids to retain heat and cook faster, add just the right amount of water when cooking as too much water means more time and energy to heat it.
Take advantage of the residual heat from the turned off oven to finish cooking food, defrost it at room temperature or in hot water, cook several portions at a time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer to reheat later.
Making the most of food and avoiding waste
One of the major household expenses is food, so it is important to learn how to use it efficiently to avoid wasting money.
Plan your meals in advance and make a shopping list to avoid buying unnecessary food, take advantage of leftovers to prepare new meals such as salads, soups or casseroles.
Take advantage of foods that are about to expire to prepare meals before they spoil, learn how to preserve foods properly so that they last longer, such as storing fruit and vegetables in the fridge or freezing meat and fish.
Don't forget inedible parts of food, such as fruit and vegetable peelings, which you can use to make broth or compost.
Buying products in bulk or on special promotions
An effective way to save money at home is to buy products in bulk or on special promotions. By buying large quantities of a product, you can get a significant discount compared to buying individual units.
Taking advantage of these offers can help significantly reduce household expenses, especially on staples such as non-perishable food items, cleaning products and personal care items.
