Consumer Report: How To Save Money At Home

Your household appliances could be costing you thousands of dollars in wasted energy.

According to Consumer Reports, the average family loses more than $6,500 a year in wasted energy. But a few simple changes could put some of that money back in your pocket.

It boils down to cleanliness and efficiency. Starting in the kitchen, Consumer Reports Senior Home & Garden Editor Paul Hope suggests regularly cleaning your dishwasher filter and wiping down the gasket. And don't try to outsmart your dishwasher with a pre-rinse. "Most dishwashers actually have a soil sensor built in to see how dirty the dishes are going in. When you pre-rinse, you're actually fooling it into thinking the dishes are cleaner," says Hope.

You can keep your stove in tip-top shape by wiping up spills quickly and making sure the flame is blue. "If it's burning yellow or orange, that's a pretty good indication that you have a clogged burner or something wrong with one of the burner tubes," advises Hope.

Set your refrigerator to the optimum temperature of 37-degrees. Food will last longer if properly stored: vegetables in the crisper and meat on the bottom shelf where it's coldest. And don't use the top your fridge as a storage shelf. "It can actually interfere with the fridge's ability to dissipate heat, " warns Hope.

There are ways to save in your own backyard, too. Consumer Reports says electric mowers are more efficient and will save you money in the long run. They're also better for the planet. "For years, gas was really the gold standard with outdoor tools, and that's changed within the last few years," says Hope.

Consumer Reports says over time, these changes could save you thousands of dollars. If you've been considering an upgrade, now is a good time. The Inflation Reduction Act provides tax credits for some high-efficiency home appliances and equipment.