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Household Hacks & Budget · Aug 17, 2022 edition

Low-Flow Faucets and Curtain Tricks to Cut Your Bills

From the Genius House Hacks archive.

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Keeping the television, computer, stereo, blender, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and other non-essential appliances plugged in at all times means they're quietly drawing power from the wall without even being used. Plug them into a power strip instead, and you can turn everything off with a single button.

Install Low-Flow Faucets

Do you really need a faucet with the strength of a fire hydrant just to wash dishes? Swapping in a low-flow model can cut the water bill by 25 to 60 percent. A low-flow showerhead saves even more.

Use Curtains and Blinds to Cut Cooling Costs

The best time to put curtains and blinds to work as a natural heating or cooling system is summer and winter. Reflective blinds can reduce heat gain by about 45 percent in summer; in winter, use window treatments to trap heat inside instead. Drapes cut heat loss too.

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