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The costs associated with running a home are higher than ever. So, any investment that can reduce your overheads is an opportunity that should be grabbed with both hands. It's even better when those adjustments are simple to implement.

Here are five simple upgrades and changes that can make a noticeable difference to your life and bank balance. What more could you ever ask for?

Food bills are among the biggest overheads facing any modern family. Therefore, if you can reduce this while also improving the home esthetic, that has to be a good thing. Growing home plants and flowers for use in cooking can make a big difference. Aside from no longer needing to buy those items, the fresh ingredients will encourage you to cook more rather than reaching for a take out menu. Fruits and vegetables can be grown in the garden too. If nothing else, it'll beautify the property.

When your home appliances are faulty, you may think it's best to let them die out naturally before replacing them. On the contrary, the hindered performance means that they require more energy. In turn, each usage costs more money while you'll also need to buy a new unit too. Simple repair jobs like professional dryer vent cleaning can bring appliances back to their best. The expense is a fraction of the costs associated with a replacement, and the running costs will fall back to a normal rate.

The desire to add security cameras and surveillance largely stems from wanting to protect your home and family. After all, it's very hard to truly relax at home if you feel vulnerable. Nonetheless, it should not be forgotten that the new items can bring financial benefits. Add modern remote-monitored systems, along with garden lighting, to see your home insurance quote fall. The monthly savings won't cover the costs of the new purchases for at least a year or two. Still, when supported by the other rewards, it's worthwhile.

Electricity bills are another big cost. While turning devices off rather than putting them on standby is key, you can go one step further. Switching from incandescent light bulbs to LEDs can save money and energy. It's good for your finances, great for the environment, and creates versatile lighting. Better still, they require significantly less maintenance in terms of changing the bulbs. So, they are a very convenient addition too. You could easily upgrade the whole home within one afternoon.

Adding Smart tech to control the temperature is a great option if you want to take this route. However, there are plenty of simple and traditional ways to boost energy conservation. Water tank jackets save energy on water heating. Meanwhile, adding roof insulation and using draft excluders can boost the room temperatures in the winter. Keeping radiators unobstructed and allowing heat to circulate is ideal too. Thicker drapes will also keep the heat to save money and create a homely vibe.

It really is that simple. What have you got to lose?!