The cost of living in Australia has been going up for some time now and this trend is set to continue hence the need to implement urgent cost-cutting strategies. A 2018 report using data from the Bureau of Statistics showed that the living costs in Australian cities are rising faster than the rest of the world. From Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide to Hobart, the living costs are higher than other comparable cities in the world. Even in an era of increasing GDP, you need to come up with money saving techniques as a homeowner.
From installation of LED light fixtures, bathroom and kitchen renovations, home insulation, installation of ceiling fans to tuning your AC unit, this article explores simple money saving tips for the home that you should consider in 2019. Read on.
1. Tune your AC Unit
If you live in Australia, you appreciate the importance of an optimally functioning air conditioning unit. The sweltering summer heat can get intolerable while the cold season is similarly extreme. As such, you need an air conditioning system working in top form. This is an ever running unit throughout the year and you should ensure it stays in mint condition to avoid power wastage.
The air filters need replacement if you notice the AC unit not working optimally. A clogged air filter forces the unit to work harder which uses more energy. To save money in home maintenance, keep your AC unit in the best shape.
2. Install Energy Saving LED lights
If you are using ordinary incandescent bulbs to light up your home, it is time to overhaul the fixtures and install LED light bulbs. LED technology has revolutionized home lighting by enabling homeowners to save money in home maintenance while at the same time reducing carbon footprint. The cost of LED bulbs keeps going down and if you want a simple way to save money in your home, it is time to embrace this innovative lighting technology.
3. Recycle, Repurpose and Reuse
Recycling and reusing is a no-brainer for anyone who wants to save money but in most cases, it is easier said than done. Many homeowners would like to recycle not only to save money but also to preserve the environment but they don’t how to go about it. Well, in this age of information, you will get myriad DIY home improvements that entail recycling and reusing or repurposing items in your home.
There’s a lot of waste in your home that can turn into beautiful repurposed home improvement material. Go online and borrow inspiration from home designers and other homeowners on how to reuse and repurpose items you would otherwise throw away. This saves you a lot of money in home improvement.
4. Install A Programmable Thermostat
Heating and cooling your home hogs a lot of money and it accounts for a large part of your budget. Now, a programmable thermostat can help a lot with this by enabling you to schedule automatic increases and decreases in your home’s temperature. You will save a lot in heating during winter and cooling during the summer. Program the thermostat such that the temperatures fall a few degrees when you are out or asleep and rise just before you wake up or return to the house after work.
5. Invest In Insulation
Insulation is a great way to save money by protecting against heat loss. Some of the key areas to target in insulation include tanks and radiators, piping, attic, roof and loft, cavity walls, your garage, solid walls, and floors. Draft proofing is also a great money saving techniques. Home insulation not only keeps in the heat but also prevents entry of cold draft. In summer, insulation keeps in cold air while preventing hot air blowing into the house.
Other money saving tips to consider in addition to LED light installation include unclogging vents, tune your plumbing to repair leaks, choosing energy efficient appliances, air-sealing your home among other techniques.
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