Like most Americans, homeowners in Russell County, Georgia, sometimes overpay for things related to their home. Before you break out the checkbook for costly products or repairs, consider how you can save money on the following home issues.
Insurance
Homeowners insurance is essential for protecting your home and family in the event of a worst-case scenario, but you could be paying more for your policy than necessary. It’s important to review your policy at least once a year to ensure you have the proper coverage and aren’t paying for coverage you don’t need.
You should also consider other types of insurance spending, such as warranties for cellphones and other electronics. Most people never end up using these extended warranties, so don’t be afraid to turn down additional coverage when it’s offered.
Entertainment
Most families budget entertainment into their monthly spending, and this often includes cable TV. With so many streaming services available at a fraction of the cost, however, paying for premium cable rarely makes sense. Cutting cable completely or at least opting out of premium channels will keep more money in the bank. Even if you get your internet and home phone service through your cable provider, it’s almost always a cheaper option to nix cable and opt for an inexpensive streaming service.
HVAC Repairs
Repairs related to your home’s heating and cooling system can take up a huge chunk of your household budget, but they’re a necessity you can’t live without. Having your repairs completed by a certified technician will ensure the job is done right the first time, reducing your overall repair costs, but you can avoid repairs altogether by scheduling an annual HVAC service.
Regular maintenance is always more affordable than having your system repaired or replaced, and this logic extends to other areas of spending, such as our vehicles. Invest in recommended maintenance now and save money in the long run.
Cleaning Supplies
Americans spend a large portion of their budgets on household cleaning supplies, but there’s no reason for it. Learning how to make your own cleaning products with inexpensive items like vinegar and baking soda is a good start, but you can always choose generic products for a fraction of the cost. Plus, using non-toxic cleaning supplies is great for your indoor air quality.
Late Fees
Late and overdraft fees may not seem like much, but they really start to add up. When you’re late on your loan or credit card payment, you’re typically hit with a $15 to $40 late fee, depending on the lender. These fees accumulate each month and can even increase your interest rate. Simply paying your bills on time will allow you to avoid these excessive charges.
Bottled Water
Unless you live in an area with unhealthy tap water it never makes sense to buy bottled water. While it may seem convenient, bottled water is costly and bad for the environment. Just think: If you buy a single $5 case of bottled water each week, you’re looking at nearly $300 in excessive spending each year. Instead, buy a filtered pitcher and reusable water bottles to drink filtered water on the go.
Wasted Energy
If you’re like most Americans, you probably keep your laptop, television, DVD player, and other electronic devices plugged in at all times. These devices are known as vampire electronics because they constantly draw energy when plugged in, even when they’re shut down.
To avoid paying for wasted energy, unplug unused devices. You can also keep frequently used devices plugged into a power strip, which you can then toggle on and off as needed. Getting into the habit of powering off devices you typically let hibernate may take some getting used to, but you’ll discover a noticeable difference on your next energy bill.
Saving money on wasteful home issues is all about developing better habits and making smarter choices. For most homeowners, these choices start with their HVAC systems. Call Indoor Solutions Inc. at 706-225-8241 to have a technician come out and assess your home. We’ll be happy to offer money-saving tips and address your HVAC concerns before they become costly problems.
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