Greenbook: A Local Guide to Chesapeake Living - Issue 3 | Page 40

Renters and homeowners across
the country are taking savvy
approaches to save money
around their homes. In honor
of National Home Improvement
Month, Homes.com, leading
online real estate destination,
and sister site, ForRent.com,
sought out the top 10 tips to
save money around the home,
40
40

GREENBOOK | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

using little time and effort and
offering inexpensive solutions.
From do-it-yourself projects to
updating small appliances,
everyone can take advantage
of these easy tips on a dime.
1. Programmable Thermostats
Utility bills can be daunting. In the
summertime, the cold air needs to
be on full blast and in the winter,

everyone wants to feel warm and
cozy. Programmable or “smart”
thermostats are an efficient and
inexpensive way to save hundreds
of dollars on yearly electricity bills.
An energy-saving smart thermostat,
available for about $50-$100, can help
decrease the cost of heating or cooling
your home. It takes the guesswork out
of trying to coordinate your home’s
temperature with the temperature