We all want to save money and some of the biggest money wasters are simple things we never really think about. Here are some tips for an “ah ha”, green saving moment!

Time: 1 Minutes

Cost: $3

Difficulty: Easy

Tip 1: Insulate your Outlets

Did you know that cold air seeps through the outlets on your outer walls? You can stop it!

A-Remove your outlet cover

B-Purchase outlet sealers at any hardware store. They usually come 6 to a pack.

C-Punch out the round pieces

D-Place it onto your outlet

E-Place your outlet cover back on

Tip 2: Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are great for cooling your house in the summer but did you know they can keep your home warm in the winter?
During the summer, you ceiling fan runs counter-clockwise. Flip the switch on your fan and your fan will now run clockwise which will push the warm air down. Run it on the lowest setting during the colder months.

Tip 3: Change your Light bulbs
Incandescent bulbs are a huge money waster so changing them to LED is a simple and easy way to save some green. And they last longer than incandescent bulbs so you don’t have to change them as frequently.

Tip 4: Place Timers on Your Lamps
Everyone uses timers during the holidays for their lights but did you ever think to use those same timers on frenquently used lamps?
Not only will this keep you from walking into a dark room, it will automatically turn off, saving you money!

Tip 5: Move Lamps away from Thermo states
Do you have a lamp directly under your thermostate? Move it.
The heat from the lamp confuses the thermostat into thinking your home is warmer than it really is. Yup, that simple light bulb throws that much heat.

Tip 6: Let the Sun Shine In
Once the sun goes down, close your curtains and shades to keep the heat in your home but once the sun comes up, open them to allow the sun to warm your home for free.

Tip 7: Don’t Rinse Your Dirty Plates
Rinsing the food off of your plates before loading them into the dishwasher wastes water and doesn’t allow your dishwasher to do what it was designed to do - clean your plates.
Extra Tip: Always run a full dishwasher.

Tip 8: Speaking of Dishwashers...
For everyday use, use the setting that runs in the least amount of time and allow your dishes to air dry.

Tip 9: Clean the Lint Filter
Every time you put a new load in your dryer, always clean your lint filter. Not only will this allow your dryer to run more efficiently but it can help stop a fire.
Did you know that birds use lint to build their nests? Recycle that lint by placing it in a tree in bag with holes.

Tip 10: Reuse Water
When you wash produce, place a bowl in your sink to catch the water then use that water to give your houseplants a drink.
Hope you found at least one of these tips helpful. What are some other tips you’d like to share?

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