During my years running a handyman service in the North Texas area of Plano, Frisco, and McKinney I consistently get asked by homeowners one question.  That question is how a homeowner can save money on monthly expenses such as electricity costs, water usage, and preventing unnecessary repairs.  There are five easy actions that you can take which will have a positive impact on your budget.

First, prevent water leaks by tightening loose faucets and using caulking.  A small leak may not seem like much, but you are paying for every drip!  In addition, an unattended water leak could lead to large repair bills in the near future.  Do yourself a favor and take care of leaks now, especially you have any concerns about mold or water damage to your precious property.

Second, use weather stripping.  This useful material can reduce electricity costs, especially with your air conditioning.  Weather stripping is inexpensive, relatively easy to use, and will go a long way toward helping you minimize needless electricity costs.

Third, consider installing a programmable thermostat.  A rough rule of thumb is that for every one degree you change, for example programming the air conditioner to go on one degree higher than it does right now, then you will save roughly one percent on your electricity bill.  Over the course of a year or two, you should notice a positive impact on your budget.

Next, consider different forms of lighting.  This can be low-voltage light bulbs, remembering to turn off lights when you leave the house, and even using solar-powered lights for your garden and outside lighting.  If you can get the bulbs on sale then you will have done yourself a favor and made a small investment for a likely long-term savings.

Finally, to reduce home repair emergency expenses be sure to stay on top of issues as you see them.  For example, be prompt if you notice a clogged downspout or gutters.  Taking care of the problem today will minimize the chances of the water working its way into your walls.  You can use water sealants on your deck and fence in order to reduce the likelihood of a costly repair.  Also seek help quickly if you notice a foundation crack.  It is much better to seal a crack early than to endure the costs of a major foundation repair project.

Hopefully you find these suggestions to be low-cost, easy to implement, and practical.  There are other ways to reduce costs in both the short term and long term, and make sure that you get the advice of a trusted professional before attempting to do any home repairs.