Limit your electronic use.
Do you dread receiving your monthly utility bills in the mail? If your utility bills are on the steep side, it’s time to make some changes in your home. The amount due on your electric, gas, or water bill is under your control to some extent. While you may not have any control over some of the fees, you do have the power to reduce your usage – and your bills – in general. Here are a few easy ways to cut costs on your utility bills.
This may seem like a sacrifice you aren’t willing to make, but it’s not as dire as you may think. Saving on electric costs can be as simple as unplugging your electronics when you aren’t using them and using surge protectors with your outlets. Always turn lights and fans off when you leave the room or aren’t home. Set your televisions and computer to automatic sleep mode when not in use. Do a nightly sweep of the house to make sure all unnecessary electronics are powered off. And when making new appliance purchases, make sure to choose energy-efficient models.
Conserve water.
Most people don’t really think about how much water they use or realize that it’s possible to cut back. But there are easy ways you can cut back on water usage. Don’t run your dishwasher until it’s packed with dirty dishes and only wash full loads of laundry. Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth and install aerators in your faucets to reduce water flow. Limit your showers to 5 minutes and avoid taking baths. If you’re in the market for new toilets, purchase water-conserving models. Invest in greenery that doesn’t require frequent watering, like succulents, and resist the urge to wash your car every week.
Use less natural gas.
The more natural gas you use to do things like heat up your house, the more you owe the utility company. To ease up on gas usage, install a programmable thermostat that will automatically reduce heating and cooling when you don’t need it. Upgrade your outdated heating equipment. If you have a natural gas furnace that is more than 15 years old or a gas water heater that is more than 10 years old, it’s time for a newer model. Set the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees. Avoid using hot water when unnecessary and wash your clothes in cold water. Make sure your house is properly insulated to reduce the need for heating.
Cutting back on electricity, gas, and water usage is not only good for your wallet but also good for the environment. With these easy ways to decrease utility usage, you can feel better about your bank account and your conservation efforts. These simple little changes can add up to shave a lot of money off your monthly utility bills.
