There is an old marketing adage that says to make money, you have to spend money. There’s truth in that for businesses, but don’t count on it for personal money management—unless you have a clear strategy.

The quickest and best way to keep more money in your wallet is to cut expenses. Spend less. Just like that, you get the equivalent of a tax-free raise.

That’s exactly what these inexpensive yet handy gadgets offer—clear strategies to reduce the high cost of energy to keep your home comfortable and powered up.

1. Outlet Sealers

Electrical sockets and switch plates on interior and exterior walls can be hidden sources of drafts that may lead to high heating and cooling costs.

Outlet (socket) sealers are really easy to install and act as a buffer between your home’s inside and the outdoor air, helping to keep conditioned air in and outside air out. The Duck Brand Socket Sealers Variety Pack comes with 16 outlet sealers, 6 switch plates, and 2 decorative covers.

2. Window Shrink Film

Chilly winter or hot summer weather can send the home heating/air conditioning bill through the roof. But a little insulation goes a long way.

You can cut a chunk out of your power bill by making your home more energy efficient when you install window shrink film. It’s easy, using a conventional hairdryer and proper film like you can get in a Duck Brand Indoor 10-Window Shrink Film Insulator Kit. This particular kit will insulate the equivalent of ten 3’ x 5’ windows.

3. Refrigerator/Freezer Thermometer

Keeping your refrigerator and freezer cooling at the proper temperature ensures that you aren’t wasting energy by keeping it too cold, but not wasting food either by keeping it not cold enough!

This 2-pack set of freezer refrigerator thermometers is a super cost-effective way to make sure your temps are just right.

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4. Surge Protector/Auto-switch

Stop for a moment and think about all of the electronics you have plugged into your home outlets. Can’t remember? Take a walk through the house tonight after dark and check out all the little green electronic “eyes” staring at you. They’re using energy 24/7.

Stop the phantom power drain with a surge protector that automatically turns off power when not in use. That one move will reduce your power bill by saving energy. A p0wer strip like this Energy Saving Surge Protector with Auto-switching Technology is just the ticket.

 

5. Power Conserve Switch

What about your coffee pot, electric grill, clothing, heater, and electric fans that are plugged in all over the house? Rather than a large multi-outlet power strip, use individual power conserve switches—one per electrical item.

The conserve power switch completely shuts off power including standby power to your electronics and appliances with the flip of a switch. Easy to use and a great way to bring your electricity bill down month after month.

 

6. Kill-A-Watt

With this handy gadget, you can easily figure out which of your appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in. Simply connect these appliances to the Kill A Watt EZ, and it will assess how efficient they really are.

The large LCD display will measure consumption by the kilowatt-hour—the same way your local utility figures it—letting you calculate your cumulative electrical expenses and forecast by the day, week, month, even an entire year. With the amazing P3 International Kill A Watt EZ Electricity Usage Monitor you’ll know (get ready) watts killing you!

7. Showerhead

A really good low-flow showerhead will radically cut your water consumption per shower without giving the person showering any sense of deprivation, but your water bill will certainly show the difference.

This Niagara 1.25 GPM Chrome Shower Head is spectacular with its 3 spray functions easily rotates from a gentle needle spray to a forceful jet.

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8. Faucet Aerator

A faucet aerator saves water and energy by producing forceful streams in kitchen and bathroom sinks at a reduced flow rate that minimizes the amount of energy needed to heat hot water. Save energy two ways—heating the water and the amount of water used to get the job done. This  0.5 GPM Low Flow Faucet Aerator for kitchen and bath is a great option.

9. Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can save you up to 33 percent of your energy bill if used as directed. You set it up to adjust the temperature when you are away or asleep—times when you don’t necessarily need to heat or cool your home to optimum comfort—and your HVAC equipment runs less.

Plus, your heating or cooling comes back to the comfort level you desire before you come home or wake up. This Honeywell 5-2 Day Programmable Thermostat is super easy to install and comes pre-programmed for your convenience.

10. Motion Activated Solar Lights

Solar-powered motion activated light can provide your home, yard, walkways, driveway and garden with free power to light your property for both security and safety. Waterproof Wireless Security Bright Motion Sensor Solar Lights are brighter than other similar lights on the market with high-powered LEDs of up to 80 lumens! Extremely cost-effective in a 4-pack.