Not every money-saving move requires a major lifestyle change. There are many affordable items and gadgets you can find for under $50 on Amazon that could save you hundreds of dollars in monthly recurring expenses and help you avoid costly repairs.
Here are five inexpensive Amazon finds that can collectively save you thousands of dollars over the next 12 months.
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Caulk Gun and Weatherproofing Caulk
- Price: $19.99
Small gaps around windows, doors, and plumbing fixtures can make your energy bills much more expensive and even cause water damage. A $20 caulk gun from Amazon and a few tubes of exterior-grade caulk could help you seal those leaks and prevent heated or cooled air from escaping, moisture from creeping in, and pests from finding easy entry points.
The EPA estimates that sealing air leaks can cut heating and cooling costs by 15%. So if you’re spending $2,000 a year on energy, you’re saving around $300 each year. That’s not including the potential to avoid water intrusion repairs that can run into the thousands.
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Reusable Water Filter Pitcher or Bottle
- Price: $49.99
Buying bottled water is not just expensive, but also not environmentally friendly. Though bottled water usually costs just $1 each, you can still easily spend over $2,000 a year if you’re a family of four that drinks two bottles each per day.
Instead of wasting money on bottled water, it makes much more financial sense to invest in a Brita or PUR filter pitcher from Amazon, which should cost no more than $50. You’ll need to replace the filter every couple of months, but it’s still much cheaper than buying single-use bottles. It’s also better for the environment.
LED Light Bulb Multi-Pack
- Price: $22.90
LEDs (like these from Amazon) use up to 90% less energy and last over 20 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. By switching to LED, the average household can save around $225 in energy costs annually or around $19 a month. Plus, LED light bulbs last for a decade or more, which means you’ll also spend less on replacements.
Programmable or Smart Thermostat
- Price: $25.64
A $26 programmable thermostat or a Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostat from Amazon can automatically adjust the temperature when you’re asleep or away. According to Energy Star, proper thermostat scheduling can cut heating and cooling costs by up to $180 per year. You may save even more if you live in a region with extreme temperatures.
Basic Home Tool Kit
- Price: $25.99
Calling a handyman for small fixes can get pretty expensive. If you don’t mind fixing stuff yourself, consider getting a basic home tool kit, which usually only costs around $30. In these tool kits, you’ll get a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and measuring tape, which is basically everything you’d need to handle minor repairs yourself. Compared with hiring professionals for each small job, tightening a leaky faucet or hanging shelves yourself can easily save you hundreds to thousands of dollars a year.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Cheap Amazon Buys That Save You Thousands a Year
