4 Reasons Your Utility Costs Keep Rising & How to Save

Your utility bills are probably some of your largest monthly expenses, and that is why you should constantly be on the lookout for any unusual fluctuations. Ignoring those inconsistencies might end up costing you thousands of dollars every year. 

Here is a closer look at a few of the most common reasons why utility bills suddenly go up and some steps that you can take to bring them back down.

Leaks in the Plumbing System

A slow leak might not seem like a big deal, but it could actually be costing you more than you realize. One study funded by the EPA found that fixing easily corrected water leaks will reduce the average homeowner’s water bill by nearly 10 percent. 

Over the course of an entire year, those leaks are going to add up. Most slow leaks around faucets and spigots can easily be fixed with thread seal tape or new 0-rings.

Pilot Lights Aren’t Burning Efficiently

Even though pilot lights don’t use that much gas, they still need to be burning cleanly. You most likely have at least two or three pilot lights throughout your home, and each one probably burns a few dollars’ worth of gas every month. 




Pilot lights are usually found in water heaters, older stoves, furnaces, and gas dryers. The flame on a pilot light should be clean, consistent, and somewhat blue. Most pilot lights can easily be adjusted with a nearby knob.

Older Electronics Are Drawing Energy

Most electronics will continue to draw a small amount of power as long as they are plugged into the wall. Modern homes often have dozens of devices plugged in at all times, and those “phantom loads” will eventually add up. 

In any rooms that you don’t regularly use, the electronics should be unplugged entirely. You can also plug some of your devices into power strips so that you can cut the power to multiple electronics at once. 

Some of the worst offenders include televisions, desktop computers, laptops, and video game consoles.

The HVAC System Is Aging

Older HVAC systems are notoriously inefficient, and that is why most contractors suggest replacing any cooling or heating system that is more than 15 years old. Unfortunately, this is one project that you shouldn’t tackle on your own unless you have extensive experience and the right tools. 

Any mistakes that you make during the installation process could increase your energy bills or damage the system.

If you are still having issues with your utility bills, then you might want to hire a residential inspector. These professionals usually inspect homes before they are sold, but they can also help you find issues such as water leaks, gas leaks, and damaged insulation.

Ways to Reduce Your Gas Usage This Summer

At last, the sun seems to be shining and the temperature is rising. We’re starting to reorganise our wardrobes to bring our spring and summer clothes to the front, and we’re banishing our winter boots, hats and scarves to the depths of the attic. When we get to this point of the year, it’s common to hear people discussing whether their central heating is still on, and how they want to save money during the spring and summer in case the next winter is just as cold. 

This is possible to achieve, although it does seem difficult when suppliers are increasing prices every few months. If you are looking to reduce your gas usage this summer, use my helpful tips and let me know if they’ve worked for you... 

Consider your heating needs

The first step to a cheap gas bill is to think carefully about whether you’ll need to use your central heating throughout the spring and summer. You may still get a bit chilly in the evening, but consider whether a jumper, shrug or even a blanket could work better to warm you up. It really is worthwhile setting a programme for your central heating if you feel that you do need to use it during the warmer months for medical needs - try and set the heating to come on when you are actually in the home or you’ll be paying to heat up an empty house!

Set a timer for hot water

If your gas boiler is also used for your hot water supply, you could set a timer to make sure that you are only heating your water during practical hours, such as when you are due to get a shower in the morning or when you are doing the washing up in the evening. You don’t want to throw away money where it isn’t needed, meaning that you could save a few pounds by implementing this simple process.

Eat differently

A slightly different way to reduce your gas usage is to change your diet this spring and summer. If you have a gas hob or oven, you could find alternative meals that don’t require cooking in this way. For example, the summer is an ideal time to eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, making salads a great choice. If you’re looking to make these slightly more exciting, think about adding canned food such as tuna or pre-cooked prawns. Another way us Brits like to cook in the summer is using a charcoal barbecue, so it might be time for you to uncover yours for the season.

Review your usage

Finally, review your usage every month and see whether you can find a better deal with an alternative provider. Start your search on a price comparison website and follow up by speaking to the energy companies directly.


About the author
John Parker is a blogger interested in going green, as well as the money saving benefits from doing so. This year he has been working on how to get a cheap gas bill during off-peak seasons.