By: Jacob Maslow
The price of everything seems to be going up, including your utilities. For many, the cost of electricity, water, and gas is a large portion of the household budget. Luckily, there are things you can do to help lower your bills. Here are the savvy ways to cut your utility bills at home.
Perform an Energy Audit
First, contact your utility company to see if they provide energy audits. Some companies will do it for free. If they do not, it is something you can do yourself. Take a notepad, examine your house from top to bottom, and take note of places where you may be losing electricity. For example, check to see if your windows and doors seal tightly. The US Department of Energy has a checklist.
Routine Home Maintenance
Have a professional check the HVAC system and water heater to ensure they continue running efficiently. Also, change the filters in your home as recommended. Check behind the refrigerator to inspect the coils. The coils need to be clean to keep the fridge running at its finest. Properly running appliances will save you money.
Go Solar
Investing in solar panels is a way of assuring you will always have power. Some solar units have a battery backup. So, during power outages, you will still have electricity. Also, you will no longer need to worry about your electric company raising prices. You will be saving money instead.
Unplug and Turn Things Off
How often do you leave a room and forget to turn lights off or a device plugged in? Probably more often than you think. Walk around the house and unplug all things that are not in use. For example, appliances not in use, such as the can opener or the air fryer, do not need to stay plugged in.
Laundry
Instead of washing clothes in hot water, use cold instead. Not only will it save you money, your clothes will last longer. When possible, do full loads of laundry. Also, hang a clothesline in your backyard. Hang heavy items like jeans and blankets to dry.
Shower Time
Start by cutting down your shower time. Say goodbye to long showers. Try to keep showers to approximately five minutes. Purchase a showerhead that uses only two gallons of water per minute. Look for one that meets EPA standards.
Change the Thermostat Settings
Adjusting the thermostat temperature is one of the easiest ways to save money. Adjust your thermostat approximately 7 to 10 degrees higher or lower, depending on the season, for 8 hours. Consider changing the setting while you are at work or at bedtime. Consider taking the next step and purchasing a smart thermostat. You can preset the temperature, and the thermostat will make the changes.
Let the Dishwasher Do All The Work
When dishwashers were new, they were not an efficient appliance. However, dishwashers made after 2013 can only use up to five gallons of water. You will use more water than that by washing your dishes by hand.
Published by: Khy Talara
