When it comes to saving money around the house one of the major things to focus is on how to save money on utilities.
Too often, people get surprised at how high their electricity or water bill is by the end of the month. However, you can avoid these surprises and save a considerable amount of money per month by just making some adjustments at home.
I’ve created a list of simple things you could do or adjust around your house, so that you can save money on your utility bills. By implementing these simple tips, you will be able to lower the costs of your utility bills at home and save hundreds of dollars in the long run!
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30 Tips for Saving Money on Home Utilities
Knowing how to save money on your utility bills is beneficial for you and your budget at home.
Reducing your household expenses will free up money that can be used towards paying off debt, increasing an emergency fund, saving for vacation, or funding a college tuition for your kids. The tips below will help you reduce your utility bills at home.
1. Adjust your Thermostat.
During summer and winter time adjust your thermostat a couple of degrees higher or lower. By doing this simple adjustment to your thermostat, you can save money on your electric bill.
2.Unplug Appliances When You Aren’t Using Them.
This is the simplest tip when it comes to saving money on your utility bills. Do you know some electronics still draw electricity even though they’re turned off? This involves things like computers, lamps, coffee makers, etc.
The best thing to do here is to unplug electronics when it is not being used. Something that can be convenient and inexpensive is to use a smart power strip.
Besides, protecting electronics from occasionally power outages or voltages spikes, a smart power strip could help you to quickly cut power and conserve energy when your electronics aren’t in use.
3. Install Energy Saving Lights.
Try to replace your old light bulbs with energy-efficient lighting. Although the price might be higher than a regular light bulb, in the long run, they will save you money. They use less energy, last longer and have the potential of drastically reduce your energy bills.
4. Use Ceiling Fans.
Ceiling fans can work to your advantage during summer and winter times. Adjust your fan counterclockwise for summer and clockwise for winter time.
Switching the directions of the blades will help the air flowing around your house to circulate better, and therefore this will save you money on electricity.
5. Do Your Chores at Off-Peak Rates.
Different cities or towns offer electricity rate discounts for utilizing electricity during off-peak times (usually at night).
You can call your power company and inquire if they offer this option and what is the time frame for it. If they offer cheaper rates, then take advantage of it and do most of your chores that require electricity at that time than when the price is high.
6. Use Dryer Balls.
Using dryer balls in the dryer will help you reduce the amount of time needed to dry your clothes. These dryer balls are the inexpensive alternative that will help you save money on your power bill.
7. Wash Clothes in Cold Water.
Try to minimize the use of hot water during laundry. Cold water uses less energy compared to hot water, and it is better for your clothes!
8. Do Full Loads Laundry.
Full loads will consume less energy than washing two half loads. In case you just need to get small batches of clothes wash, wash them by hand. By doing this, you will save money on your electric and water bill.
9. Give Maintenance to Your Dryer.
Your dryer machine will work more efficiently by giving it the proper maintenance. This includes keeping the lint trap clean after each time you dry your clothes.
Also, don’t forget about the dryer’s vent, clean it at least every four to six months. You will use less energy, and your utility monthly bill will be reduced.
10. Lower Your Water Heater Temperature.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most households need their water heater thermostat to be set at 120 º F. Every 10 º F of water heater temperature reduction can save you $30 per year. So, make sure you are not using a higher temperature and wasting too much heat.
11. Use the Microwave for Heating up Food.
When possible, use the microwave to heat up food. It utilizes less energy than a regular stove.
12. Repair Leaky Faucets.
Check your faucets at home and if any of them is dripping water, repair this immediately. A leaky faucet that drips all day long, waste approximate 5 gallons of water per day.
13. Replace Showerheads.
If you still using regular showerheads, consider replacing them with water-saving showerheads. You can install low-flow showerheads around your house to save money on your water bill. This is a one-time investment that will be worth in the long run!
14. Use Your Dishwasher Efficiently.
Try to use your dishwasher when it’s full and when possible skip the pre-rinse. Also, keep in mind that using your dishwasher will save more water than washing your dishes by hand.
15. Wash by Hand Bulky Pots, Pans and Dishes.
Bulky items take too much dishwasher space; it is better if you wash them by hand. You will save not only space but also hot water and electricity.
16. Avoid Heat Dry Time.
Stop your dishwasher before the dry heat option. You can let your dishes dry naturally and save money by keeping your power bill low.
17. Reduce Shower Times.
Besides using a low-flow showerhead, to reduce your water bill aim for shorter shower times instead of longer ones.
18. Turn Off Running Water.
Leaving the water on while brushing your teeth or any other chore where water is not needed immediately can add up costs. Practice the habit of turning off the water when it’s not in use.
19. Check for Leaky Toilets.
Leaky toilets can waste approximately 200 gallons per day! That’s a lot of water! So, to avoid any surprises with an expected high-water bill, fix any leaky toilet as soon as possible.
An easy way to check for a leaky toilet is by placing a food coloring or dye tablet into your toilet’s tank. Avoid flushing your toilet for at least 10 minutes. After this, check if the water inside your toilet is colored if so, your toilet is leaking water, and it needs to be fixed.
20. Consider a Dual Flush Toilet.
Dual flush toilets have the capability of saving water and money. You can also get a dual flush toilet kit as an inexpensive alternative and start reducing the amount of water a regular toilet uses. It can save you money and reduce your water bill.
21. Insulate Your Hot Water Pipes.
According to the Energy Department, uninsulated pipes produce a greater heat loss than insulated pipes. By insulating your hot water pipes, your heat loss will be reduced and this will save you some money.
22. Air Dry Your Clothes.
When possible, try to air dry your laundry so you can save money on your electricity bill. If it is winter season a good alternative can be used, a folding drying rack that will save you space and money.
23. Check for Air Leaks.
Windows and doors can cause air leaks around your house. This will lead to higher electricity bills. Foam sealants or sticky rubbers can help with most open gaps between windows, switches or doors outlets. This will ensure a reduction in your heating and cooling costs at home.
24. Change Your HVAC Filters Regularly.
This is the best way to ensure that your HVAC at home runs properly. Additionally, by changing regularly, you will lower your utility bill at home. One way to save money on filters is by buying them in bulk. Find out the dimensions you’ll need and get a 6-8 pack from Amazon for much less price than the regular store.
25. Cut the Cord.
If you still have satellite or cable, cancel it now! It is crazy how much money a family spends every month for these services. You’ll save hundreds of dollars a month by cutting the cord.
At home, we use this digital antenna and watch many channels for FREE. By installing a digital antenna and cutting your cable, you will have the potential to save hundreds of dollars every year.
Optional you can sign up for Amazon Prime Subscription. This along with a digital antenna, you will access tons of movies, music and TV channels on demand. Amazon also offers two-day FREE shipping service on millions of items to its Prime subscribers. You can sign up for Amazon Prime and start your 30-day FREE Trial here.
26. Eliminate Home Phone.
Get rid of your landline phone service and only keep your cell phone service. It will save you at least an average of $50 every month!
27. Switch to a Cheaper Wireless Plan.
These days, wireless service plans are costly. Every month this takes a big part of your paycheck. Try to switch to a cheaper service such as Republic Wireless. With Republic Wireless you could get a plan for only $15 a month and save a lot of money per month. You can learn more about Republic Wireless here.
28. Install a Programmable Thermostat.
A programmable thermostat will make the difference in your electricity bill. With it, you can easily set your home temperature to be lower during the day time, when you are not at home or while you sleep at night.
Also, programmable thermostats like Nest have an advanced technology that allows you to learn your daily habits at home and adjust your home temperatures automatically. This will help to cut your electricity bill and save money.
29. Use a Slow Cooker.
Cooking in a slow cooker will save you a lot of money on your energy bill. This is because it utilizes less energy than cooking the traditional way.
I own an instant pot and love it because it saves me so much time and money. Besides you can use it as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer and many other options. If I have leftovers, I usually pack it, freeze it, and use them later! If you’re interested to know, this is the model I own.
30. Replace Your Old Appliances.
This can be a bit of investment up front but when possible consider replacing old appliances with efficient Energy Star appliances. This new technology can lower your high energy bill at home.
Final Thoughts
Saving money on your utility bills is possible by just being conscious of the usage and identifying any potential waste of water, energy, and other things around your home.
Probably, at first, some adjustments will require adding a small investment, but this will pay for itself by lowering your utility bills.
Not only that but shrinking your phone bill and eliminating cable or satellite will also help with the overall reduction of your utility bills and monthly expenses at home
Do you have any other ideas on how to lower your utility bills? I’d love to read your comments!
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We always used to unplug our microwave in college and our friends laughed at us! Now they want our tips lol
Battery operated lighting for every room. There’s so many lamps and types of light she can use that are battery operated also solar fans and or battery fans.
I have filled water bottles in my toilet tank, out of the way of the flushing mechanism, to displace water. This allows less water to enter the tank, so less water is used over time with every flush!
Awesome tip! This definitely will save money on your utility bill!
This is an excellent list of ways to save money. Thank you for sharing it with us. The only thing I could add to this list is to grill. I love cooking on the grill and in the summer time it will save on the ac bill, and I enjoy it.
Great tip! My husband loves cooking on the grill too!
These are all such great ideas. As a grad student, I’m always looking to save a few bucks wherever I can. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Katie-Beth! I’m glad you find it useful! Good Luck in your studies!