Finances

Learn how to save your money

As consumers, we've all faced times when money is tight and we have to "tighten our belts and our pockets" in the process. So, just in those situations, considering reducing utility spending is a creative alternative to save us money and, incidentally, help the planet in the process. 

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However, many of us do not know or are not completely sure how to reduce utility expenses efficiently. Many of these services have become indispensable in our lives.

That's why we at Saber Más, Ser Más have put together some of the best ways you can start reducing your energy, water and gas consumption. These tips will help you save money on your bills.

Saving on your water bill

To save a few pennies on your water bill, you can:

Use special filters and install them on faucets and showerheads. These filters can be found in any chain store or specialized store; they serve to improve the strength of the fluid and save money on this public service.

Nowadays, toilets are designed to save water, with elements such as dual flush. If your property is less than five years old (or remodeled) it is possible that the bathroom toilets are designed for it, if not, you can purchase low cost and easy installation in specialized stores. 

The washing machine should be used with a full load, it will not only save water but also energy and detergent. To ensure proper operation of the washing machine, schedule annual maintenance.

Rinse the dishes quickly first and turn off the faucet while proceeding with soaping. Do not turn on the faucet until you have the last dish lathered.

When brushing your teeth, there is no need to let the water run, wet the brush before you start and use a glass of water for rinsing.

Set a maximum time for showering. Turn off the faucet while soaping up and turn it on only for rinsing.

Repair leaks in toilets, faucets and dishwashers to save 20 gallons per leak, per day.

Saving money on your electric bill

Now let's look at some practical tips you can follow to save a few bucks on your next electric bill:

Whenever possible, take advantage of sunlight illumination.

Use light colors on walls and ceilings to make better use of natural light and reduce the number of light bulbs on.

Use energy-saving bulbs and place the higher wattage bulbs according to the need, in lighter areas use those with lower consumption. For example, a 100-watt bulb in a night table lamp would be unnecessary, 60 is enough.

Turn off lights that are not being used.

Keep lamps and lampshades clean, it will increase the luminosity without increasing the power.

Because of its low consumption of this and other utilities, it is recommended to use fluorescent tubes where you need more light and it is needed for more hours, for example, in the kitchen.

Choose only one day a week for ironing. The use during several days a week, produces a great consumption of energy.

If you have an electric heater, consider buying an electric shower or, better yet, installing a gas one. Household appliances such as irons, hair dryers, vacuum cleaners and water heaters are among the most energy-consuming appliances.

Close the refrigerator tightly; when the door is left open, energy consumption is higher in an attempt to keep the refrigerator cold.

The use of gas appliances reduces the consumption of electric energy, as is the case of the stove and the water heater.

Saving on gas fracking

There are homes that have heating and cooling and these turn out to be the biggest expenses on utility bills, so cutting back on gas, heating and air conditioning should reduce your bills considerably.

Here are some ways to save on gas utilities:

- Better insulate your home by installing vents, sealing leaks with caulk, and using louvers to deflect heat when it's sunny.

- Clean or replace HVAC and furnace filters at least every three months.

- When cooking, cover pots and pans, so they take less time to cook and use less energy.

- Place the pan on each burner according to its size.

- Clean the burners of the gas stove frequently and close the stove as soon as you remove a pot from the fire.

- As far as possible, dry clothes in the open air, not in the dryer, which is one of the most energy-consuming appliances.

- The pressure cooker consumes 50% less energy than a traditional cooker.

All of these utility cost-saving strategies or measures may not seem like much on their own, but the savings can really add up and make a big difference. Remember, you can count on Saber Más, Ser Más to learn creative cost-saving strategies. 

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