Help Your Wallet: 8 Creative Ways to Lower Utility Costs

As the cost of living continues to rise, finding ways to lower expenses is becoming more important than ever. One area where we can all make a difference is in our monthly utility costs. 

In this article, we'll explore some creative and practical tips to help you reduce your utility bills without sacrificing comfort or convenience. 

Let's get started!

Unplug Unused Electronics

Did you know that even when your electronics are turned off, they can still use energy? This is known as "phantom" or "vampire" energy and it accounts for approximately 5% of household energy use. 

To combat this, make it a habit to unplug devices such as chargers, kitchen appliances, and entertainment systems when not in use. You can also invest in power strips with timers or switchable outlets to easily turn off multiple devices at once.

Switch to Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

Switching out traditional incandescent light bulbs for energy-efficient options such as LED or CFL bulbs can significantly reduce your energy consumption. 

These bulbs not only use less energy but also last longer, saving you money in the long run. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and styles to suit your preferences.

According to the Department of Energy, switching to LED bulbs can save you an average of $75 per year on energy costs. That adds up to over $750 in savings over a 10-year period! 

LEDs are known for their durability and can last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, meaning fewer replacements and more money saved.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Heating and cooling account for nearly half of a household's energy expenses. By adjusting your thermostat by just a few degrees (lowering it in the winter and raising it in the summer), you can save up to 10% on your utility bill. 

Consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule or usage patterns.

If you're unsure about how to efficiently use your thermostat, consider getting advice from an HVAC company, such as someone at Brown Service Company. These professionals can provide personalized recommendations for your home and heating/cooling system. 

They can also perform routine maintenance to ensure that your system is running at its best, saving you money on energy costs in the long run.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

Make the most out of natural light during the day by opening blinds and curtains to let in sunlight. This will not only reduce your need for artificial lighting but also provide warmth on chilly days. 

Consider using lighter colors for your walls and décor to reflect more natural light into your space.

Upgrade Your Appliances

Older appliances are often energy hogs, using more electricity and water than newer models. If it's time to replace your refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine, look for energy-efficient options with an Energy Star label. 

These appliances use less energy and water without sacrificing performance.

Budgeting for appliance upgrades can be daunting, but keep in mind the long-term savings. Start by researching the energy-efficient options available and compare their costs to your current appliances. 

Consider setting aside a specific amount each month towards an appliance fund, or look into financing or rebate options offered by utility companies or government programs.

Use Cold Water for Laundry

Heating water accounts for a significant portion of your household's energy consumption. To save on your utility bill, consider washing your clothes in cold water instead of hot. 

Most laundry detergents are effective in cold water and you'll still get clean clothes without the added cost.

Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Another way to cut down on water consumption is by installing low-flow fixtures such as showerheads and faucets. These fixtures use less water without sacrificing pressure, helping you save on both your water and energy bills.

Low-flow fixtures can be found at most home improvement stores. You can also purchase them online through websites or directly from the manufacturer. 

If you're not sure which fixtures are best for your needs, consider consulting with a plumber or doing some research to find highly rated options. Some utility companies may also offer rebates for installing low-flow fixtures, so be sure to check with them as well.

Do an Energy Audit

If you're not sure where to start with lowering your utility costs, consider conducting an energy audit. This involves a professional coming to your home and identifying areas where you can improve energy efficiency. 

They may also offer tips and suggestions specific to your home's layout and needs.

Energy audits typically take a few hours to complete, depending on the size of your home. While it may cost money upfront, an energy audit can ultimately save you money in the long run by identifying areas for improvement and providing personalized recommendations. 

Plus, some utility companies or government programs offer rebates or discounts for energy audits, making them more affordable. It's worth considering investing in an energy audit to potentially save hundreds of dollars on your utility bills each year.

Final Thoughts

By implementing these simple yet effective strategies, you can make a significant impact on your monthly utility bills. Remember, small changes can add up over time, so start incorporating these habits into your routine today. 

Your wallet (and the environment) will thank you! Happy saving!

Top Mistakes People Make to Hurt Their Power Bill During the Winter

 

With winter close on the horizon, it's time to start hunkering down in your home so that you can stay warm and comfortable. In most cases, spending more time inside results in higher utility bills during the winter months. 

However, if you notice that your utility bill is getting exceptionally high, it could be due to mistakes that you're making without realizing that you're making them. To help get your energy costs under control, it makes sense to correct these mistakes as soon as you can.

Using Unnecessary Hot Water

Throughout the year, the temperature of the water that comes into your home varies depending on the outside temperature. Thus, in the winter, your water heater will have to use more energy to heat the water than it does in the summer. Therefore, if you're using unnecessary hot water, you could end up spending more on your utility bill.

The most common use of hot water where it's not needed is in your washer. For the most part, cold water will suffice to get your clothes clean, especially when using modern detergents. If you’re worried about killing germs, remember that the dryer will heat your clothes to much higher temperatures than the washer ever would.

Not Servicing Your HVAC System

As the weather turns colder, you will come to depend on your HVAC system more and more to keep your home comfortable. It's important, then, that you have your system properly maintained so that it can run as efficiently as possible. 

AC service and furnace service are both crucial to help maintain your system's proper operation and ensure that these units aren't using more energy than they should.

Not Setting Thermostat

If you have a programmable thermostat, it's important that you use it fully throughout the winter. Go through all of the settings that are available so that you can properly program your thermostat to turn on and off at the correct times. You'll also want to experiment with different temperatures to see if you can settle for a lower temperature in your home while still staying comfortable.

Not Insulating Around Doors

The doors in your home are some of the largest openings in the exterior walls. Therefore, they represent one of the biggest potentials for energy loss. That's why it's important to ensure that the door and the door jamb have a tight seal so that cold air stays outside where it belongs. If there's not a tight seal, it's important to use various weatherstripping methods to ensure that the gap is closed.

For the most part, preventing excess energy usage during the winter can largely be achieved by performing ongoing maintenance to your home and its mechanical systems. Therefore, if you're taking care of your home, you'll receive the dual benefits of an extended lifespan for the materials in your home and lower energy usage during extreme temperatures.

It Costs How Much?! 5 Reasons Your Utility Bill Is Too High

There are a number of different costs associated with maintaining a household. You want to do the best you can to keep your expenses low. One cost that may surprise you is your electricity bill. Here are 5 reasons your utility bill is too high.

Insulate Your Home

You don't want to let the temperature-controlled air in your home go outside. To prevent this, you need to keep your home secure. Shut windows and doors. You should even look into getting a specialized energy-efficient window and door options. If you haven't added insulation to your walls in years, it could be time to do that as well.

Air Conditioners

Your HVAC unit is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to your electricity bill, especially during the summer. You should replace the filter at least a couple times a year, and more often if you have pets. Air conditioners also require regular maintenance to ensure they run at top efficiency.

For added savings, you should also consider getting a smart thermometer to automatically change the temperature when you and your family aren't home. You can even change the temperature from your smartphone no matter where you are. This limits wasteful energy use and will save you money in the long run.

Use the Right Light Bulbs

Most people use incandescent light bulbs because they are the cheapest option when shopping at the store. However, the more expensive options can end up saving you more in the long run. LED and CFL light bulbs use less energy and last longer. This means, your bill will be lower with time and you won’t have to replace the bulbs as often.

Outdated Appliances

You have a number of different appliances in your home. As appliances get older, they require more and more electricity to run. You should replace your old appliances with EnergyStar appliances specifically designed to use less electricity and water. There will be an initial cost at first, but you'll see the savings in your utility bill.

Unplug

You may not realize exactly how many things you have plugged in at your home. Even if these electronics are off, they still eat up energy. While this passive usage may seem small at first, it adds up significantly. Unplug your phone charger and your laptop when you aren't charging it anymore.

You may be paying more for your electricity than necessary. If you want to save money, you should look into your behaviors in your home. When you make some of these simple changes, you may be surprised as you watch your bill drop significantly.