Bring down your utility costs with these money-saving hacks
No matter the season, keeping your utility costs down is a great way to save more by spending less. We’re probably all familiar with the common tips and tricks, like turning the thermostat down in the winter and turning it up in the summer, shutting off the faucet when brushing teeth, taking shorter showers, etc. If you want to know how to lower utility bills, you have to make some simple changes.
To save even more and cut those monthly bills down, it’s time to get creative! Try these creative tricks and hacks to lower utility bills:
Heating & Cooling
- Seal up those drafty windows and doors. Instead of buying an insulator kit, grab old scarves or linens and stuff them into cracks. Hang an old blanket over drafty windows, especially in rooms that sit empty or don’t get much use.
- Replace your HVAC filter monthly, rather than every 3 months. You’ll probably be amazed at just how dirty and clogged the filter can get fast, especially when you’re running the heat or AC a lot.
- Keep all of your vents open. It may seem like it’s more efficient to keep vents closed in rooms that don’t get much use, but that’s actually incorrect.!You want all vents open so that the air can flow throughout the home freely.
- Check your air ducts for any leaks or loose connections. You can seal up leaks, holes, and secure joints with duct tape. It’s a quick fix that’ll save you a lot, keeping that hot and cool air flowing through your home.
Water
- Challenge yourself by timing your showers. Use your phone to set an alarm and see how quickly you can get in and out. You may think that you typically take short showers, but setting an alarm can really surprise you!
- You don’t need to call in a plumber or be handy to handle this next tip! Change out your showerhead for a more efficient low-flow model. It’s a quick and easy fix that can save you a lot of water.
- Don’t rinse the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Better yet, for small loads, simply rinse, turn off the water and soap them up with a sponge, and then rinse clean. No need to even run the dishwasher at all! You’ll save a lot and won’t have to worry about loading and unloading when you just have a few dirty dishes to take care of.
- Start snooping around your home and look for leaks. Take the time to go around everywhere with water- in the basement, under each sink, and even outside (hose) to check for leaks. Even the tiniest, slowest leak can seriously add up! Sometimes all it takes is tightening up a loose connection.
- Wash clothes in cold water. Save the warm and hot water for heavily soiled loads and towels.
Electric
- Have a late night laundry party! Doing laundry after 8 pm can save you since rates are lower than at peak usage times.
- Turn off power strips where you’ve plugged in the tv, video game consoles, and computers. These are the electronics that are true power suckers. Using a strip makes it so easy to turn it all off with one flick of the switch.
- Start upgrading your appliances. For frugal folks, it makes sense to want to keep an old appliance for as long as it’s still working. Unfortunately, those older models can suck up a lot of energy, sticking you with a higher bill each month. Research new energy efficient appliances and begin replacing your old ones.
Sometimes just a few simple tweaks can make a noticeable difference to lower utility bills. Cut your costs and put those savings towards a financial goal. These creative tips & tricks can bring your bills down and give you a more efficient and environmentally-friendly home.