We all have to pay a utility bill. With the cold weather months upon us you might be looking for ways to ease the budgetary pain. Thankfully, by following a few simple steps you can claw back some savings to apply towards other areas of your budget. Here are 13 easy ways to lower your utility bill.
Table of Contents
Switch to LED Lightbulbs
Older incandescent bulbs use more electricity, put out more heat, and go dark sooner than their LED counterparts. With the cost of LED lights down dramatically from when they were first introduced, it’s an easy change to make. And, you can find them anywhere.
Big box membership stores like Costco and Sam’s Club often sell multiple wattages of LED bulbs at a discount, which leads to even more savings.
Run Your Dishwasher
It might sound counterintuitive, but using your dishwasher uses less water than washing your dishes by hand. If your electrical and water bill are combined into one utility bill, this can help lower your cost.
To save on electricity needs related to your dishwasher, let your dishes air dry instead of running the heated dry cycle. This will use less electricity.
Use Your Toaster Oven
If you have a countertop toaster oven like most people do, you can use it when cooking small portions instead of your oven. It uses less energy and is an easy way to save money each month.
Adjust Your Thermostat One Degree
In the hot summer months it’s tempting to turn your home into an arctic tundra. But, just raising your thermostat by a degree or two can save you money on your energy bill each month.
In the winter, go the other direction and lower your thermostat. While it will be a little cooler in your home, you can put on a sweatshirt or cuddle up under an extra blanket and spend less on your heating bill.
Get Your HVAC Unit Serviced
It’s a good idea to get your air conditioning unit serviced each spring and to get your heater checked each fall. While a service checkup isn’t free, simple maintenance can prevent costly repairs down the road.
And, during the heat of summer, you don’t want your AC unit to run out of freon and leave you sweltering in your own home.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats automatically adjust the temperature in your home to save you money. You can control them remotely as well. And they make it easy to keep your home at a less comfortable (and cheaper) temperature when you’re not in it.
Plus, your utility provider may give you a credit for having one.
Use a Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan is a great way to make a room feel cooler without having to turn down the AC in your home. If you have one but aren’t using it, try turning it on and turning your thermostat up a few degrees to save on your electrical bill.
Check Your Dryer Lint
If you aren’t already, check your dryer’s lint screen and clean it after every use. When lint builds up, it makes your dryer work harder and run longer to get your clothes dry. Not only is that bad for your dryer, it’s costing you extra money.
Change Your Filters Regularly
HVAC units have something that’s not so glamorous that is incredibly important to performance – air filters. Over time, your air filters get clogged with dust and dirt.
The more clogged they get, the less efficient they are when they run. It’s best to change your filter once every 60 to 90 days to ensure optimal performance. In fact, studies reveal you can save upwards of $20 a month simply by replacing your filters when necessary.
Lower the Temperature of Your Water Heater
Is your water scalding when it comes out of the faucet or your shower? If so, you may have it set too high. Not only is that bad for your skin, it is costing you needless money. Turn down the heat on your water heater by a click or two to start saving.
Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
Most of the electricity used by a washing machine is put towards keeping the water hot. Reduce the amount of electricity you use when you wash your clothes by setting the cycle to cold.
Turn Off the Lights When You Leave a Room
Get in the habit of turning off the lights in a room whenever you leave it. Over time, this will lead to less electricity being used in your home and will help lower your electrical bill.
Take your savings a step further by installing motion sensor lights that automatically shut off when no movement is detected.
Take a Shorter Shower
An easy way to reduce your water bill and your gas or electrical bill is to take a slightly shorter shower each time you bathe. Try to cut your shower by five minutes and make it a little colder.
A small change like that can help you spend less on utilities each month and put money back in your pocket.
35 Simple Ways to Save Money Every Month
Saving money isn’t hard. It just requires a willingness and discipline. Get started today with these simple ways to save money every day.
35 Simple Ways to Save Money Every Month
How to Save Money on a Tight Budget
Saving money feels impossible when you’re struggling to make ends meet, but it is possible. Use these tips to save money each month, even on a tight budget.
How to Save Money on a Tight Budget
15 Best Coupon Sites to Save Money in 2023
You don’t have to clip coupons anymore to save money on groceries and other things you buy. These apps help you save money every day on things you’re already buying, right on your phone.
15 Best Coupon Sites to Save Money in 2023
How to Get Free Gas at the Pump
Yes, it is possible to get free fuel at the pump. Here are nine legit ways to get free gas, or greatly reduce your overall cost.
Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half
Going to grocery store is an increasingly painful experience, but there are ways to save. Here are 12 proven ways to slash your grocery bill with minimal sacrifice.
12 Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half
I’m Nicole Schmoll – a master’s-educated professional writer, mompreneur, and co-founder of Frugal Rules.
As a freelance copywriter in Omaha, I still believe that writing is an artistic expression. Every time I strike the keys, I intend to evoke a response from my listeners. I left my full-time career as a senior copywriter for an insurance agency to start my own freelance writing business.
I love watching and writing about TV (and how to stream it!)
Leave a Reply