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5 Ways under $5 to save on your utility bills

In our last post EHI offered you some free ways to save on your utility bills. This time we will step up to the next level of fixes, starting with those you can do for about $5 and with some simple hand tools that most homeowners should have.

1: Add seals to outlets and switches on exterior walls
   It is amazing how much air can pass through an outlet our switch located on an exterior wall.  These can be purchased at nearly any hardware store or online, the box pictured below sells on amazon prime for just under $4, and will cover over 2 dozen outlets/switches. These take less than  1 minute to install and require only a simple screwdriver.
2.Caulking windows and doors
   Over time weather seals around windows and doors can get old and crack, or simply may be missing.  A tube of clear silicone caulk like pictured below sells for just under $5 at any hardware store and help to seal out large air gaps around window frames and door jams.  Just clean the area where the caulk is missing or damaged, apply a small bead of caulk and smooth out with a damp finger.


3.  Insulate hot water pipes
 When we turn on the hot water at a faucet, we must wait for the hot water to flush out all the cold water in the line. Then, if you have copper pipes, often the cold pipe will further cool the hot water until the pipe temperature is the same as the water. When you shut the water off, all the hot water then just sits in the pipes to cool off.  This amounts to a decent amount of waste in energy to heat water that never gets used.  Adding this simple split foam insulation can save money and energy keeping the pipes and the water warm. As a side benefit, you will also have a shorter wait for your hot water!
The foam pictured below can be purchased for about $1.50 per 8' piece at just about any hardware store.

4. Update incandescent bulbs
    Did you know that most of the energy used by a standard light bulb is not from producing light, but from producing heat. One of the most common and easiest ways to save energy and money is by upgrading your light bulbs to LED. The 2 pack below can often be purchased at the big box stores for just under $5, and are 83% more efficient. The next time you are at the store, pick some of these up to replace your older bulbs as they burn out.


5.  Replace damaged door seal
   A lot of air can escape around your exterior doors if they are not sealed properly. But, this does not necessarily mean you need a new door, in fact often this can be a very inexpensive fix. the simple door seal below can be picked up at your local hardware store for about $5 and will stop your cold air from leaking outside all summer!
There you have it!! for under $25 you could complete every item on this list, make your home more comfortable, and save yourself some money in the process!! be sure to check back for our next installment of energy efficient fixes.


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