Simple Tricks to Save Money at Home

April 10, 2025

April 22 is Earth Day! This means it’s time for peace, love, and preserving Mother Earth. Are you ready? The HVAC maintenance team at Total Comfort is celebrating, and we’d like you to join us!

How can you celebrate? Well, why not start by saving money? Check out our experts' earth-friendly tips. They’re great ways to keep extra bucks in your wallet while preserving the planet, and they can all be done right inside your home. Who doesn’t want to save money and help the earth simultaneously?

Here are some conservation topics to keep in mind this Earth Day:

Water Use

Most of us are fortunate to have a daily supply of clean water. But this doesn’t mean conserving it isn’t essential. Try these water-saving tricks:

Don’t let water run while brushing your teeth.
Fill the kitchen sink with soap and water to wash dishes instead of letting the faucet run.
Only run the dishwasher when it is completely full.
Use “leftover” water (dog bowls, unused cups, rain barrels) to water plants.

Home Appliances

Whenever the opportunity arises to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, we highly recommend taking it. While there may be some upfront costs, you’ll enjoy long-term savings by using modern appliances that are significantly more energy-efficient, helping to lower your utility bills over time.

Lighting & Electricity

How’s the lighting in your home? Switching from incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs can save energy and reduce costs. LEDs last longer and are more energy-efficient.

Also, do you have unused electronics or appliances? Schedule proper recycling of these items. You’ll reduce clutter and may even make a few bucks. (Some utility companies offer money when you recycle old refrigerators—check with your local company.)

Other tips to save energy include:

Unplug appliances when not in use.
Run the washing machine at night.
Use power strips where you can.

Temperature Control

Turning down the thermostat just a few degrees each night can significantly reduce energy bills. Experts recommend setting your thermostat between 60–68°F each night. According to Sleep Advisor, you can fall asleep quicker and sleep better in a cool room!

Shower Heads

When was the last time you updated your shower fixtures? Investing in a low-flow showerhead can significantly reduce water consumption. Conventional showerheads use roughly 42 gallons of water for a 10-minute shower, but a low-flow model can reduce that by up to 40%.

Faucets

If you have a leaky faucet, you could be wasting water daily! Leaky faucets can often be fixed by replacing washers or O-rings. If you need help, our team of plumbers is just a call away.

Toilet Issues

According to the EPA, a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily. Often, this is due to a worn-out flapper—an easy and inexpensive fix. Need help? Total Comfort is only a phone call away!

Extra Ways to Help Preserve the Planet

Are you looking to do more? Great! Here are four more ideas:

Schedule a spring AC tune-up.
Upgrade the insulation in your home.
Eliminate plastic bottles—invest in a reusable one.
Insulate windows and add weather stripping to doors.

Happy Earth Day!