9 Ways to Save $1,000 at Home You Can't Afford to Miss

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Photo credit: Rachael Ray Show Aired June 08, 2015

by Lisa Lozano

You’re going to want to pay attention to this — Carter Oosterhouse is revealing nine ways that you can save $1,000 at home. Think of all the summer fun you could have with $1,000!

Tip No. 1: Use Your Dishwasher to Save on Your Water Bill

Carter reveals that dishwashers use only one sixth of the water used when washing dishes by hand! When you wash dishes daily, that really adds up. And this tip will be extra valuable for drought-conscious Californians. Potential annual savings: $40.

Tip No. 2: Don’t Use Large Appliances at Peak Hours

According to Carter, using large appliances at night during off-peak hours will save on your electric bill. Potential annual savings: $360.

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Tip No. 3: Make Sure to Fill Your Fridge

Your refrigerator has to work harder when there are empty spots, Carter says, so he advocates filling space in your fridge with tupperware containers full of water. Potential annual savings: $30.

Tip No. 4: Weatherproof Your Windows

This is very important in fall and winter when you’re running the heat, but is also key in summer months when running air conditioning. Carter suggests checking all your window frames for small cracks, and caulking them. Potential annual savings: $210.

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Tip No. 5: Leave CFL Lightbulbs on for Short Periods

CFL lightbulbs work best when you’re not turning them on and off a lot, Carter shares. So his advice is to leave the lights on when you’re only going to be out of a room for 15 minutes or less. Potential annual savings: $150.

Tip No. 6: Install Special Device if You Have Forced-Air System

Carter says that if you have a forced air heating and cooling system in your house, you can call the utility company and they’ll come over and install a device that will turn off your air conditioning during peak hours, but recirculate the cool air that’s already in your home to keep it cool. Potential annual savings: $150 plus $100-$200 in utility company credits.

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Tip No. 7: Reduce the Brightness on Your TV

If you turn the brightness down on your TV, you will save 10-20% on electric bill charges. Potential annual savings: $14.

Tip No. 8: Unplug the Rest of Your Electronics

Unplug any appliances you are not using at the time. Potential annual savings: $130.

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Tip No. 9: Add Water Bottle to Your Toilet Tank

If you add a tightly capped 20 oz. bottle filled with water to your toilet tank, it will disperse the water, therefore using less. Potential annual savings: $48.

Wow, if add all of these savings up, you have the chance to save over $1000 a year! Tell us in the comments: what do you do to save extra cash at home?

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