We all have our moments of laziness, but did you know that some of your everyday habits could be costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year? It’s true! From leaving the lights on to ignoring minor repairs, these seemingly harmless behaviors can add up to a significant dent in your wallet.
Here are 15 lazy home habits that are quietly draining your bank account and provide practical tips on how to break these costly patterns. By making a few simple changes, you can save money, improve your home’s efficiency, and enjoy a healthier financial future.
1. Leaving Lights On
Forgetting to turn off the lights when you leave a room may seem like a minor oversight, but it can have a significant impact on your electricity bill. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for about 15% of the average home’s electricity use. (ref)
By simply flipping the switch when you exit a room, you can save energy and money. Consider investing in energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. These small changes can add up to substantial savings over time.
2. Overusing Heating & Cooling
It’s tempting to crank up the heat on a chilly day or blast the air conditioning during a heatwave, but overusing your heating and cooling systems can lead to skyrocketing energy bills. In fact, heating and cooling account for nearly half of the average home’s energy consumption.
To save money, try setting your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer. According to the Department of Energy, adjusting your thermostat by just 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10% on your annual heating and cooling costs. (ref)
Invest in a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re away or asleep.
3. Ignoring Water Leaks
A dripping faucet or leaking toilet may seem like a minor annoyance, but over time, those small leaks can waste a significant amount of water and money. A single leaky faucet, dripping at a rate of one drop per second, can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year or equivalent to more than 180 showers. (ref)
Regularly inspect your plumbing fixtures and promptly repair any leaks you find. If you’re unsure how to fix a leak, call a professional plumber to avoid costly water damage and wasted resources. By addressing leaks quickly, you can save water, lower your utility bills, and prevent more expensive repairs down the line.
4. Using Outdated Appliances
Older appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers, are often less energy-efficient than their modern counterparts. An outdated refrigerator, for example, can use up to twice as much energy as a newer, Energy Star-certified model.
When it’s time to replace an appliance, look for models with the Energy Star label, which indicates that the product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
While energy-efficient appliances may have a higher upfront cost, they can save you money on your utility bills in the long run.
5. Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Failing to maintain your home’s systems and appliances can lead to inefficiencies, breakdowns, and costly repairs. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning your air conditioner’s filters, can improve the system’s efficiency and extend its lifespan.
Create a maintenance schedule for your home’s major systems and stick to it. This may include tasks like changing your furnace filters, cleaning your dryer vent, and inspecting your roof for damage. By investing a little time and effort into regular maintenance, you can avoid expensive repairs and keep your home running smoothly.
6. Overloading the Dryer
Stuffing your dryer with too many clothes can make the appliance work harder and use more energy. Overloading the dryer can also lead to longer drying times and increased wear and tear on the machine.
To save energy and extend the life of your dryer, try running smaller loads more frequently. When possible, take advantage of natural drying methods, such as hanging clothes on a clothesline or drying rack. Not only will you save energy, but you’ll also reduce the wear and tear on your clothes caused by excessive heat and tumbling.
7. Leaving Electronics Plugged In
Many electronic devices, such as televisions, computers, and phone chargers, continue to draw power even when they’re turned off. This phenomenon, known as “phantom load” or “vampire power,” can account for over 10% of your home’s energy use. (ref)
To combat this energy waste, unplug devices when they’re not in use or invest in power strips that allow you to easily switch off multiple devices at once. Look for electronics with built-in energy-saving features, such as sleep modes or automatic shut-off timers.
8. Using Incandescent Light Bulbs
Incandescent light bulbs are notoriously inefficient, converting only about 10% of the energy they consume into visible light. The rest is lost as heat. In contrast, energy-efficient LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer. (ref)
By replacing your incandescent bulbs with LED alternatives, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and save money on your electricity bills. While LED bulbs may have a higher upfront cost, their long lifespan and energy efficiency make them a smart investment in the long run.
9. Taking Long, Hot Showers
Indulging in a long, hot shower may feel luxurious, but it can also be a significant source of water and energy waste. Water heating is the second-largest expense in your home, accounting for about 18% of your utility bills. (ref)
To save water and energy, try limiting your shower time to 5-10 minutes and installing a low-flow showerhead. Low-flow showerheads can reduce water consumption by up to 50% without sacrificing water pressure.
You can also save energy by lowering the temperature on your water heater to 120°F, which is sufficient for most household needs.
10. Ignoring Insulation Needs
Poor insulation can cause your home to lose heat in the winter and gain heat in the summer, forcing your heating and cooling systems to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can lead to higher energy bills and increased wear and tear on your HVAC equipment.
Investing in proper insulation can help keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient. Start by assessing your home’s current insulation levels and identifying areas that may need improvement, such as the attic, walls, and floors.
By upgrading your insulation, you can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your utility bills.
11. Overwatering the Lawn
Watering your lawn too frequently or at the wrong times can lead to water waste and higher water bills. Overwatering can also harm your lawn’s health by promoting shallow root growth and increasing the risk of fungal diseases.
To save water and maintain a healthy lawn, water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and avoid watering during the hottest part of the day.
Consider installing a smart irrigation system that adjusts watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels.
12. Paying for Unnecessary Subscriptions
Many households pay for subscriptions and services they rarely use, such as gym memberships, streaming services, or magazine subscriptions. These recurring expenses can add up over time, draining your bank account without providing much value in return.
Regularly review your subscriptions and cancel those that you no longer use or enjoy. Look for free or low-cost alternatives, such as using your local library for books and movies or finding free workout videos online. By cutting out unnecessary subscriptions, you can free up money in your budget for more important expenses or savings goals.
13. Buying Name-Brand Groceries
Opting for name-brand groceries over generic or store-brand alternatives can significantly increase your grocery bill without necessarily providing better quality or taste. In many cases, store-brand products are made by the same manufacturers as their name-brand counterparts, just with different packaging.
To save money on groceries, try switching to store-brand products for staples like rice, pasta, and canned goods. Compare prices and ingredients to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
Over time, these small savings can add up to a significant amount.
14. Using Too Much Detergent
Using more laundry or dish detergent than necessary can lead to product waste and increased energy and water consumption. Excess detergent can also leave residue on your clothes or dishes, requiring additional rinse cycles to remove.
To avoid wasting detergent and resources, follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage instructions and adjust the amount based on the size and soil level of your load. Consider using concentrated or high-efficiency detergents, which require smaller amounts per load.
By using the correct amount of detergent, you can save money and reduce your environmental impact.
15. Not Sealing Windows & Doors
Drafty windows and doors can allow conditioned air to escape your home, forcing your heating and cooling systems to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can lead to higher energy bills and reduced comfort levels.
To improve your home’s energy efficiency, inspect your windows and doors for gaps or cracks and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. Consider installing storm windows or doors for added insulation, or replace old, inefficient windows with energy-efficient models.
By sealing air leaks, you can reduce your energy consumption and create a more comfortable living space.
Our lazy home habits can have a significant impact on our finances, often without us even realizing it. By making small changes to our daily routines, such as turning off lights, fixing leaks, and using energy-efficient appliances, we can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.