Tips for Saving Money Shortly After Moving In

Shortly after moving in while your momentum is high, plan to walk-through your new home and make a list of any simple maintenance or changes you’d like to make. Your list will probably include things such as changing wall colors, updating carpet, or noting any small fixes you discover. Any major issues would have been noted when the home inspector conducted their inspection.

The type of walk-through I’m suggesting identifies ways to make home improvements which have the potential to save you money for years and years. Let’s begin checking the following areas:

Ceiling Fans

The installation of ceiling fans increases air circulation to save on both cooling and heating costs. Fans are a low-energy way to keep the air moving. During the warmer days the air flow should blow downward. Reverse the blade rotation in the cooler winter months to pull the air upward to warm the room. Using fans allows you to keep your thermostat settings several degrees lower and reduce your energy costs.

Hot Water Heater

Adding an insulation blanket around the hot water heater maintains the water temperature for longer periods of time. If your hot water heater has a blanket but it’s showing signs of wear, replace it. While you’re inspecting the water heater take a moment to check the temperature reading. Setting the temperature to 120-degrees Fahrenheit will deliver a comfortable shower temperature without it being too hot to scald you or a child.

Insulation

Adding insulation around exposed pipes reduces temperature loss as the hot water travels from one area of your home to the faucet. The greater the distance the water travels to reach the faucet, shower, or tub, the more likely the hot water will begin to cool. Check the insulation thickness between the walls, crawl spaces, and in attic spaces. A well-insulated home allows you to run the thermostat on a lower setting.

Air Filters

Take a look at the air filters throughout the home. It could be time to replace the filters. Clean filters improve air quality and reduce allergens. Plan to schedule regular HVAC maintenance checks and ask the technician about ways to enhance the efficiency of the system in your home.   

Lighting

Switching to LED lightbulbs in your fixtures generates savings over the long term.  High-efficiency LED bulbs last at least 10 years, if not longer, while incandescent and halogen bulbs last on average only one year.

Energy Efficient Appliances

Are you planning to replace an existing home appliance? Consider choosing an energy efficient appliance. Look for the energy star rating to see how much savings you can reap.

Be sure to take advantage of these money saving tips. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give me a call.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers and was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020 citywide. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.