Following are some easy ways to start saving money immediately, and some investments you can make that will pay off in the long run.

Lower your water heater temperature

Did you know that the cost of heating your water accounts for up to 25 percent of your total energy costs per year? While you obviously can’t go without hot water in your home, you may be able to save a significant amount of money by lowering the temperature on your water heater.

Water above 120 degrees Fahrenheit can scald skin in seconds, and if you’re super-heating your water to 140 degrees, you’re increasing your risk of scalding as well as wasting money on energy costs. Check the thermostat on your water heater and lower it to 120 degrees if it’s too high. Don’t set the temperature lower than 120 degrees, though, or you increase the risk of bacterial growth in your water heater.

Install reusable air filters

Reusable air filters for your home’s heating and cooling system can be a great investment. They cost a little more than disposable air filters, but they can be cleaned and reused instead of replaced every few months. These filters are also of a higher quality than disposables, and since cleaning and maintenance is so easy, many people are better at the upkeep. Heating and cooling systems work best when filters are clean, so don’t forget to check filters every few months to see if they need to be cleaned.

Improve appliance efficiency with a water softener

Hard water can interfere with the efficiency of appliances that use water. The minerals in hard water accumulate inside appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and coffee pots, and over time, these substances can destroy a heating element or create so much residue that the appliance isn’t able to function properly. A water softener can eliminate the problems associated with hard water, thus increasing the energy efficiency and lifespan of your appliances that use water.

Seal your windows

Drafty windows lead to a lot of energy loss, allowing cool air to escape in the summer and warm air to escape in the winter. As you prepare your home for winter, always check for drafty windows. Add weather stripping to fill any gaps you find, and cover your windows with shrink-wrap plastic that creates an air-tight seal. In the summer, don’t allow direct sunlight into your home. Room-darkening drapes and vertical or horizontal blinds can reduce the warming effect of sunlight, and as a result, your air conditioner expends less energy cooling your home.

In just a few hours’ time, you can make changes around your home that will result in big savings on utility bills. Even if you have to spend a little money up-front to lower your long-term energy costs, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts.

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In many parts of the United States, hard water is a problem – from Florida to North Dakota and points in between, you may have excessive minerals in your tap water that can cause problems over time.

1.     Sub-par showers

If you feel like your hair is limp and lifeless, the problem could be hard water. The minerals in hard water can build-up in hair and make it heavy. They also make it more difficult to get a good lather with shampoo – and in turn, you may end up using more shampoo in an attempt to get your hair clean.

You may also find that your once-robust shower head has scaly deposits that reduce water pressure, making it harder to rinse all that shampoo out of your hair. The end result is a disappointing shower that leaves you feeling less than squeaky-clean.

2.     Soap scum

Hard water doesn’t just leave shampoo in your hair and a soapy film on your skin, it also causes unsightly rings or spots around your bathtub. These stains can be especially stubborn and difficult to get scrub away. Why do these spots settle in your bathroom? Hard water contains high amounts of magnesium, calcium and iron, and these substances act as a magnet for soap, making it cling to the tub or shower walls.

3.     Dingy clothes

If you have hard water, don’t expect your laundry to turn out fluffy and fresh. The magnesium and calcium in your water can sometimes leave yellowish discolorations, streaks, spotting and stains on your clothing. These minerals may also give your laundry a dingy appearance and create a stiff feel that is anything but pleasant.

4.     Dry, irritated skin

If your skin is constantly dry and irritated, your water might be the reason behind your beauty woes. When hard water leaves a soapy film on your body and hair after you bathe, it actually dries out your skin and makes it difficult for products to soak in and provide that much-needed moisture.

5.     Uneven water pressure

The minerals in hard water can accumulate over time in your pipes, significantly restricting the flow of water, and creating poor or uneven water pressure around your house. If you’ve noticed that the flow of water from your faucets has slowed to a sad drip, hard water buildup might be to blame.

Many homes around the United States struggle with problems caused by hard water, but water softener dealers nationwide understand the particular problems in your local water supply. A professional can recommend the best course of action for you – like whether you need a home filtration system or water softener.

If you’re tired of scrubbing scaly deposits around your home, find out what’s in your water and take steps to make it better.

Author: Casandra Lynne – Follow her on Google+.

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