25 simple ways to save
The latest issue of Consumer Reports magazine has a quick list of 25 simple things you can do to save a few bucks. While many of the tips only reduce expenses by a few bills, implement a handful of these recommendations and you will see a difference.
Here are some of the best tips from the story.
1. Clean the coils behind or underneath your refrigerator with a tapered appliance brush to keep it running efficiently.
2. Skip pre-rinsing dishes. Our tests have found that it's unnecessary, and you'll save up to 6,500 gallons of water per year.
3. Put your PC to sleep. Save $25 to $75 each year by using the system standby or hibernating feature on your computer.
4. Plug electronics into a power strip so that you can turn them all off at once.
5. When the weather is warm...
...line dry.
6. Dust off the slow cooker. You'll use a lot less energy than cooking a meal across several burners and in the oven.
7. String LED lights this holiday season. They last longer. Our tests have shown that they can save up to $11 per season.
8. Lower water-heater temperature to 120 degrees from 130 and insulate hot-water pipes to knock up to 5 percent off your energy bills.
9. Plant a deciduous shade tree on the west and southwest sides of a house to save energy.
10. Call a professional energy auditor. They use a blower door or infrared photography to pinpoint where your home is leaking energy. Some utilities provide free audits; you can also find certified professionals in your area through the Residential Energy Services Network.
Read the full list here.
About The Bargain Hunter
Daily News staff writer Julia Scott loves to find bargains on everything from groceries to Gucci. Her tips will help keep your hard earned cash where it belongs - in your pocket.
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