From DIY projects to changing certain habits, here are 10 ways you can save money at home. These tips can help you reduce your energy usage, save on utility bills, and protect your household budget.

1. Smart Thermostats

You blast your AC in the summer and crank your heat in the winter all in the name of achieving a comfortable temperature inside your home. A great way to save hundreds throughout the year is to invest in a smart thermostat – no more adjusting your thermostat throughout the day and wasting energy and money.

2. Go Low-Flow

Wasting water during baths and showers means your money is literally going down the drain. Replacing old and outdated showerheads with new low-flow models could shave upwards of $100 off your annual water bill. Don’t be fooled by the name – most low-flow shower heads still provide excellent water pressure!

3. More Can Be Less

Planning on owning your home for a while? You can save thousands of dollars in the long run by paying a little extra on your mortgage payment each month. Any additional money you pay above and beyond your normal monthly payment will go directly towards principle and save you tons of interest in the long run.

4. Unplug

Even when you’re not using your homes appliances and electronics they’re still using electricity. This phenomenon is known as phantom or vampire power and can cost you hundreds of dollars annually. By unplugging your appliances, you can save an estimated five to ten percent on your monthly electric bill. If you don’t want the hassle of unplugging, invest in a smart power strip to help reduce your usage.

5. Photosynthesis is Your Friend

Some people spend hundreds of dollars on air purifiers to reduce allergens in their home when all they may need to do is buy a few plants. Not only can plants remove toxins from the air naturally, they also add a little extra color to a room and make it feel more warm and comfortable.

6. $15 Can Save You 15% or More

For about $15, you can purchase the supplies you need to weatherproof doors and windows and save up to 15 percent on heating and cooling costs. Products can include caulking, felt, and foam tape, so make sure you figure out what your specific home will need.

7. Home Warranty Protection

If you're a homeowner, a home warranty is a great way to save money and protect your budget. When one of your home’s major systems or appliances breaks down, a home warranty will take care of repairing or replacing covered items. Learn how a home warranty can save you money.

8. Invest in Fans

Save money in the summer by decreasing your air conditioner usage and use your ceiling fan instead. On average, an air conditioner uses 3,500 watts of energy, while a ceiling fan only uses 60 watts of energy, costing only seven dollars per month to run. Ceiling fans can even be useful during the winter months! Set the fan to run in a clockwise direction which will push warm air down from the ceiling and keep your home warm.

9. Shop from Home

Before you buy new accessories to spruce up your home, look at what you already have and see if there are small tweaks you can make to give your home new life. Rearranging furniture and lighting is a quick and free way to recreate an entire room. Switching decorations between rooms is another free way to make two spaces feel new and different.

10. Washing Without Wasting

You can save money on your laundry by adopting some simple habits like washing clothes in cold water and not overfilling the dryer. When it is time to upgrade your washer and dryer, consider investing in energy-efficient units. Not only will they save you money on your bills, but they may qualify for rebates.