Yes, CHE's can theoretically degrade over time (the heating element degrades, increases its resistance and doesn't allow as much electricity to flow). When the heating unit is controlled by a thermostat, this will just require the thermostat to run the heat element more frequently. I have very little experience with CHEs, so I don't know how frequently this happens with them. They're still producing the same amount of heat per unit of electricity used, so unlike florescent lamps there isn't any waste of electricity with using old worn out units.
Saving money on a couple animals is a challenge, since buying stuff in bulk (substrate, feeders) is a very effective way to save money but not a great option for small collections. But depending on your feeder source and substrate choice, there might be some changes to be made there (buy feeders in a 6-month quantity at an expo or from a local producer instead of paying pet store prices on singles; consider less expensive substrates).
Whether the desired savings are short term or long term matters a lot -- it is often a choice between making the most cost effective choice overall, or just pushing off costs into the future. Insulating an enclosure for now instead of getting a PVC enclosure sort of kicks the can down the road and adds to overall costs, since the insulation is a temporary bandaid (and has no resale value) to stave off the future purchase of the PVC enclosure. If you figure in the decreased energy costs when using a PVC enclosure (they insulate well, far better than anything with a CHE punching through a screen top), and the current need to buy a new heating element anyway, and the future intent to buy a PVC enclosure, probably buying a PVC enclosure and an RHP now would be the most economical choice. But all the costs on that option are up front. Pay a bunch now, or twice as much over time -- many things are like this.
With just a couple animals (and ones that aren't particularly expensive to keep) it may be that cutting costs elsewhere would be a lot more effective. Transportation costs might be cut by getting into a higher MPG car, or carpooling, or moving. Monthly subscription sorts of things are a big money suck for many of us, and are often not necessary.
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