If you hate to open your utility bills every month, you are not alone. High utility bills can take a big bite out of your budget month after month.
For most families, half the energy they use comes from heating and cooling their home. Heating water each day is also a big energy drainer.
But you can put a dent in your utility bills without sacrificing comfort. If your monthly bills are getting out of control, don’t worry. We’re here to help.
Check out our tips on how to save on utilities and other household costs.
Insulate your Attic
If your attic lacks insulation, the heat in your home is escaping. Heat rises, and without something to stop it, it will escape from your home through your attic.
Insulation is not expensive. It is definitely cheaper than months of expensive energy bills. Adequate insulation will save you up to 20% on your energy bill.
You can hire someone to do it or save a little bit and do it yourself. There are tons of online tutorials about how to install insulation.
Use Weather Stripping
Weatherstripping your doors is an DIY project that could help you save money over time. It’s very easy to install, and it can make a big difference.
In the winter, if you can feel a draft coming in from under your doors, you need weather stripping. It will keep the draft and dampness out and keep your warm or cool indoor air inside your home.
When your warm or cold air is escaping, your air conditioner or heater has to run more to keep your family comfortable. Weather stripping is a simple way help trim your monthly energy bill.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat lets you control the temperature of your home. You can program it to cool or heat your home at varying temperatures at different times of the day or night.
You can adjust the thermostat for times you are away from home or sleeping. The higher you keep the thermostat in the winter and the cooler you keep it in the winter, the more you save.
You can even turn it off completely while you are at work and program it to come on before you arrive home. Every bit of energy you save will help you save money on utilities.
Read more here about other energy efficient alternatives to heating your home.
Install LED or CFL Light Bulbs
If you are still using traditional light bulbs, consider replacing them with LED or CFL light bulbs. These types of bulbs are much more energy efficient than the standard incandescent variety.
Even replacing just a few of the incandescent light bulbs you use the most can make a difference. And replacing all your bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs will save you money each year on your energy bills.
These bulbs may cost a little more than standard bulbs, but they last much longer which saves you money in the long run.
Insulate Light Switches and Outlets
You may not realize that your light switches and outlets can leak air. They need insulation to prevent them from letting air pass through.
This is especially important for switches and outlets on an outside wall. Most hardware stores sell light switch and outlet plate seals.
Anytime the cool or warm air from your home is leaking, you are adding to your energy costs. Insulated switches and outlets are a quick and inexpensive fix to this problem.
Unplug Electrical Devices
If you look around your home, you will probably see a lot of electrical devices that are plugged in but not in use. Even electrical devices you are not using draw electricity and add to your power bill.
If you have several devices running at the same that you aren’t using, that’s a waste of money. Consider how many small appliances or devices you have running right now.
Taking the time to unplug devices and small appliances that you rarely use will save your energy dollars over time.
Washing Clothes in Cold Water
Approximately 90% of the energy your washing machine uses is to heat up the water. If you think about how many loads of laundry you wash in a year, that’s a lot of hot water.
Washing your clothes in cold water on a regular basis can definitely help lower utility costs. Make sure your washer and dryer and other appliances are energy star appliances for extra savings on your energy bills.
Load Up the Dishwasher
Anything that uses water and energy can run up your energy bills. And your dishwasher is a major energy drainer.
Never wash just a few items in your dishwasher. To save energy, wait until you have a full load of dishes to wash.
Turning off the dry heat setting and letting your dishes air dry saves energy too. Large pots and pans take up too much space in your dishwasher.
Consider washing these bulkier items by hand so you don’t need to run the dishwasher quite as much. It may sound silly, but doing many small things to save energy can definitely help you lower utility bills.
Save on Utilities
If you are seriously trying to save on utilities, there are so many ways to accomplish this goal. Remember that heating and cooling your home are your biggest energy drainers.
Your appliances that use both energy and water will run up your energy bills too. So be sure to use these appliances wisely and make sure they are energy efficient.
These are only a few of the many ways you can cut your utility costs. For other helpful blogs, check out our website.