When you’re running a household, it can feel like you’re always putting your hand in your pocket. Utilities, gas, groceries, and entertainment expenses all add up quickly, and you may think you’ll never get a break. The good news is that help is at hand. Investing a little money in these smart gadgets today can save you some serious coin in the long run.
Soda Makers Help You Save on Soft Drinks
Soda can be an expensive habit, but you needn’t do without your favorite fizzy drinks to save money. Instead, trade in the cans for a soda maker. Soda makers like the popular SodaStream carbonate ordinary tap water, adding the fizz you love for a fraction of the cost. Most supermarkets sell branded flavorings, but you can save even more by adding freshly squeezed fruit juice instead.
Smart Thermostat Helps You Slash Your Heating and Cooling Bills
Thermostat technology has come a long way in recent years, so if you haven’t purchased one recently it’s worth taking a look at the latest models. New smart thermostats use sensors to detect the temperature and humidity inside and outside your home, making adjustments for your comfort as you go about your business. Many can also power down when you’re not home and learn your routine, activating your HVAC system only when you need it.
New thermostats are also Wi-Fi-enabled so you can control them remotely. This puts an end to wasting power just because you forget to switch off the system. You can also switch on your HVAC unit just before you arrive home, rather than leaving it running so you’re comfortable on your return.
Smart thermostats are helping households cut their heating and cooling bills by an average of $180 every year, according to consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch. Government rebates available in some cities help offset the initial costs.
Battery Chargers Power Up Batteries
Batteries may represent a small chunk of a family budget, but they can quickly add up, especially if you’ve got young children with powered toys. Rather than choosing disposable batteries which clog landfill, invest in a battery charger and some rechargeable batteries instead. Battery chargers can typically recharge NiMH batteries around 500 times, and up to 1000 times in ideal conditions. These savings considerably offset the slightly higher prices rechargeable batteries command.
Food Dehydrators Prolong Life of Fresh Produce
A food dehydrator isn’t considered a kitchen essential by many, but it really deserves its place in your appliance cupboard. We lead the world in food wastage. On average, an American family of four wastes almost $1,600 worth of fresh produce every year. A dehydrator can stop this wastage by turning meat into jerky and fruits into tasty dried treats. Not only will it save you money by preventing spoilage, but also you’ll probably spend less on vending machine snacks by making your own!
Unlike so many items in your home, these appliances will soon pay for themselves. Watch your bills fall as you start using them in your home.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
