In the United States, the typical family generally spends about $2,000 or more on utility bills per year. These include things like electricity, water, and gas.
But sometimes, these utility bills can get out of hand or wreak havoc on other bills. So if you’re wondering how to save money on your utility bills, here are some tips to help you keep your paycheck in the bank.
Change Lightbulbs
Your light bulbs are used significantly throughout the day, and you can save money by using ones that consume less energy. Incandescent lightbulbs use the most power, so you’ll want to swap them for compact fluorescent or LED bulbs, which use less energy.
The good thing is that you don’t have to replace every bulb in your house, only the ones you use the most. For example, the lights in your kitchen and living area likely get the most use, so you’ll want to replace those.
Replace Your Appliances
Old appliances are not energy efficient. If you need to replace old appliances, you want to look for Energy Star appliances that are energy efficient. This means they use less energy than older appliances, like water, electricity, and so forth.
While you might have some initial sticker shock when you first look at energy-efficient appliances, remember that it’s an investment, and they will save you money in the long run.
Get A Smart Thermostat
If a new furnace isn’t in your budget, you can purchase a smart thermostat to save money. Smart thermostats allow you to program your temperature, and some of them memorize your daily activities concerning how often you adjust your temperature.
Most of your utility bills go on heating and cooling your home, and smart thermostats can save you hundreds of dollars a year. Smart thermostats come with various programs and options, such as voice control or lighting control, so choose the one that works best for your family.
Tune-Up Your HVAC
Do you want to keep your HVAC running smoothly through extreme temperatures? Then it’s best to get a tune-up to make sure you don’t have any significant problems during winter and summer.
Taking preventative measures and getting a tune-up with this HVAC company can help offset any problems you might experience during those months. This also saves you money, because you catch problems early.
Insulate Your Attic
Heat rises and may even leak out of your uninsulated areas. This is money flying out the cracks of your home!
To keep your house cool and warm without wasting money, insulate crawlspace and attics. Doing so will keep the cool and warm air where it should be: in your home, and don’t forget to caulk leaks on window sills or other cracks as well for added insulation. You can insulate yourself or hire a professional to do the job.
Fix Leaks
Leaky faucets, toilets, and pipes are not only a nuisance; they can cost you hundreds of dollars per year if they’re not addressed and fixed. Leaks not only cost you water, but over time they could lead to water damage in your home.
Look for leaks in places with water in your home and fix them as soon as you notice them. You may have to replace your faucet, toilet, or pipes, but replacing those things now will save you money and other damages.
Open and Clean Air Vents
Air vents allow air from your HVAC to circulate. When these vents are closed, your HVAC needs to work harder and rack up your utility bill. Keeping the air vents open allows your HVAC to function normally.
Your air filters also can become clogged over time, which also makes your furnace run more. To keep it at maximum efficiency, you’ll want to replace your air filters.
Turn Off Lights
Another great way to save on your utility bill is to keep the lights off when you’re using them. You can save hundreds of dollars per year doing so. And the best part is that it’s straightforward.
Also, leaving small appliances unplugged, like blenders or coffee makers, can save you money, too. When they’re plugged in, they still generate energy. Once you’re finished using them, unplug them to save some money.
Using Appliances Wisely
Aside from using energy-efficient appliances, it’s important to remember to use them wisely. For example, only run the dishwasher when it’s full. When you run a dishwasher that’s not fully loaded, it’s a waste of water.
Your washing machine works similarly. Most of the energy used by the washing machine is heating hot water, so you’ll only want to wash your clothes when you have a full load.
Ceiling Fans And Window Attachments
If you don’t have fans in your home, consider installing one, especially if you live in a warm climate. Having a fan circulates cool air in your home, so the HVAC functions more efficiently.
They might match your decor, but your window attachments can also help keep out the heat or the cooler temperatures. This means your furnace doesn’t need to run overtime, and this saves energy and money.
Learning How to Save on Utility Bills
Figuring out how to save on utility bills isn’t rocket science, but it does take some extra work and thought, and sometimes you’ll need to invest a little bit of money. But if you can save a few hundred dollars a year, it’s worth it!
Do you want to learn other ways to save money? Check out our lifestyle page for more tips and tricks on how to keep money in your pocket.