8 Clever Ways for Homeowners to Save Money

Between mortgage payments, utility bills, standard maintenance, home improvement projects, and unexpected repairs, homeowners have a lot of expenses. While some of these costs are nonnegotiable, there are some things you can do to help save money. With these clever money-saving tricks, your friends at Eagle's Nest Realty are here to help make owning your own home at the Lake of the Ozarks more affordable than ever!

1. Make Use Of The Outdoor Temperature
When the outdoor temperature is comfortable (like right now!), you can save a lot of money by turning off your HVAC system. Open the windows, turn on the fans to promote air circulation, and let Mother Nature do the work.

2. Set Your Hot Water Heater Temperature To 120° F
You may not think to check their hot water heater temperature setting, but it deserves some attention. If it's set higher than 120°, go ahead and lower it - you probably won't use water hotter than that, so there's no need to pay for the extra heating costs!

3. Replace Your Air Filters Every Two Or Three Months
When is the last time you checked the air filter in your HVAC system? Dust, allergens, lint, and other particles will clog the air filter, which makes your system work harder. Replacing your filter regularly can help to lower your energy costs.

4. Install LED Light Bulbs
Incandescent bulbs are generally more appealing visually, but they have a much shorter lifespan and use a lot more energy than other forms of bulbs. LED bulbs use less energy and typically last much longer, so making the switch might be beneficial.

5. Plant Perennials
Think about it - how much money did you spend on plants this year? Flowers, bushes, and trees can actually be very expensive, so you can save money by buying perennials (plants that will come back every year).

6. Seal Insulation Around Windows & Doors
What to know a way to rack up unnecessarily high energy costs? Letting your heated or cooled air escape through crevices around your windows and doors. Break out the caulk and seal the openings around these areas to lower energy costs.

7. Air-Dry Your Clothes
Have you ever thought about how much your washer and dryer are raising your energy costs? If you're willing to compromise convenience for cost, hang a clothesline up outside or in the laundry room (or even in the shower) to air-dry your clothes.

8. Buy A Rain Barrel
Missouri gets a lot of rain in the spring and early summer, but we can go through long dry spells without any rain whatsoever. A rain barrel will collect rainwater that you can then use to water your plants during the dry months, which will keep your water bill down.

Searching For A New Home At The Lake? We Can Help!
If you follow these simple suggestions, owning your own home may become more affordable than you think! If you are in the market for a new house at the Lake of the Ozarks, contact the team at Eagle's Nest Realty. We would love to help you find your dream home!

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