10 Unexpected Ways to Reduce Your Monthly Utility Bill
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I’m sure we all agree that seeing your utility bills rise higher and higher each month is not fun. We may all try to turn off the lights and unplug devices when we’re not using them, but those simple gestures can only take us so far.
Regardless of whether it’s cutting back on heating costs or looking for clever ways to use less water, there are some less obvious solutions that you might not have considered. So, let’s get to know these surprisingly simple but highly effective strategies to help you save some serious cash every month.
Seal Your Windows and Doors
Think of those drafty windows and doors as open for business…for cold air to infiltrate your home in the winter and for your air conditioning to overwork in the summer. A small draft can make your heating or cooling system work overtime. You could try weatherstripping or caulk applied at the edges of your windows and doors to stop indoor air from leaking out. This is a quick fix that will make a big difference in your energy bills.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a small cost that can save you a lot of money. One simple way to save energy and lower your HVAC bill is to adjust you thermostat between day time, night time, when you’re home, and when you’re not. Saving money while you sleep? That’s what we call efficiency.
Take Shorter Showers
It’s really easy to spend a few extra minutes under the hot water when we want nothing more than a long, relaxing shower after a stressful day, but those extra minutes really add up. Cutting a few minutes off your shower can make a big difference in both your water and heating costs. It’s a small price to pay, but you’ll notice the savings when the bill arrives.
Use Only Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
One of the easiest and most effective ways to lower your electricity bill is to switch to LED bulbs, which might sound like old news. According to the Department of Energy, traditional incandescent bulbs use up to 75% more energy than LED bulbs and don’t last as long. Not only will you save on your electricity usage but you’ll also reduce how often you need to replace those bulbs.
Install Low-Flow Showerheads
It’s not just your water bill, either, because using water takes energy to heat it. Low flow showerheads can reduce your water use by almost half without compromising water pressure. And you’ll be amazed to find out how little water you will use without even noticing it in your shower.
Unplug Devices Not in Use
Have you heard that almost all devices still use power even when turned off? It’s called ‘phantom energy’ or ‘vampire power’ and can account for up to 10 percent of your monthly electricity usage. If you unplug your TV, your computer, and other appliances when they’re not in use, you can save surprising amounts over time. If you don’t want to unplug each device, use a power strip with an on/off switch.
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
One of the biggest energy users in most homes is heating water for laundry. The thing is, most clothes don’t need to be washed in hot water. In fact, cold water is just as effective and easier on your clothes. Switch it up, and you’ll be lowering your energy usage and extending the life of your wardrobe; a win-win if there ever was one.
Adjust the Temperature on Your Heater
By default, most water heaters are set to 140°F, but you can make a significant change in your energy consumption by dropping the temperature to 120°F. You won’t be paying as much to heat your water, but there will still be enough hot water for showers, washing dishes and doing laundry. It’s a small change but a big result.
Use Ceiling Fans Wisely
And ceiling fans aren’t just for summer—there are actually ways they can help you save energy in the winter, too! According to Save on Energy, during the colder months, reversing the direction of your ceiling fan will help push warm air down into the room, eliminating your need to constantly heat the room. Ceiling fans can help cool things down during the summer, so you don’t have to rely as much on air conditioning. It’s an energy saver year-round.
Insulate Your Attic
If your attic isn’t properly insulated, heat rises, and it’s going right out the roof. One of the best ways to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer is to add insulation to your attic, as this Energy Attic article attests. While it may involve a little upfront cost, the long run savings on your heating and cooling bills are worth it.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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