Many homeowners don’t realize just how expensive it can be to own a home until you’re faced with all the bills and expenses. However, just because homeownership comes with costs doesn’t mean that you have to go into debt in order to do so. There are plenty of ways that you can save money on your home, you just have to know what to do. Check out some of the most useful tips below.

Cut your electricity bill.

Chances are your home needs electricity, and chances are you’ve been hit with a high electricity bill once or twice. In order to save money, you need to cut your electricity bill down. There are plenty of ways to do this. First, make sure you’re using high-efficiency bulbs, which use less energy. Second, make sure you’re turning off lights in rooms you’re not in. You should also consider unplugging appliances and chargers that aren’t in use either. Finally, talk with your electricity company and see if there are programs you can join to help cut the cost of your bill. The more you can do, the more money you’ll save.

Save on water.

Water bills can be expensive, but you need water every day. There are ways to save on water too. Make sure you don’t long showers or leave water running when not in use. Consider only flushing when necessary, or even start a rain barrel and use that for plants, washing the car, etc. You should also have a trained plumber inspect your water system to look for leaks, as even a tiny leak can cost you hundreds of dollars over time. Like electricity, the more you can do to cut costs, the more you’ll save.

Choose the right utilities.

There are necessary utilities, and then there are desired utilities. Try to see if you can cut back on your cable bill or your Internet bill. Determine if you really need to pay for someone else to cut your lawn or if you can do it yourself. See if you can cut back on your home security system. There are many monthly expenses you incur because of your home, but it’s important to determine which one are a necessity and which ones you can live without.

Opt for DIY.

There are things around your home that require a professional, and there are things around your home that you can do yourself. By tackling certain jobs, such as lawn care or small projects, you will save a lot of money on contractor costs. Plus, by fixing things that need to be fixed, such as a drafty window, you’ll end up saving money on energy costs too, so it’s a win-win all around.

Make extra payments.

Your mortgage is a big expense, and you’ll end up spending almost twice as much on your home after you pay it off thanks to interest rates and insurance. In order to save money, try paying off your mortgage early. Even making one extra payment a year can save you a significant amount in interest. Go over your budget and see when and how you can apply more money to your loan. Considering what you’ll save by using the other tips on this list, it shouldn’t be a problem.