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7 Ways to Save on Utility Expenses

Utilities take up nearly as much as the monthly expenses on housing rentals. As per a report that the U.S. Department of Energy has released, the average-living American family shells out almost $1,400 annually on utility expenses. 

Challenges associated with the preference to constantly change lifestyles and needs are the top causative factors of expensive utility expenses. Inflation and economic instability are the other factors tied up with costly monthly utilities when you compare electricity and gas bill expenses. 

Worry not, as being creative and thinking out-of-the-box are the keys to saving on utility fees. 

7 Ways You Can Save on Utility Expenses 

You should’ve noticed that your electricity, gas, and water bills are getting higher every year and are eating away at all your savings. You cannot stop using these utilities because they are basic needs, but you can definitely try to reduce their use in your house. 

The best part of saving on utility is that it doesn’t only impact your wallet but also the environment. So apart from saving extra every month, you’re also contributing to nature. So read more to find out how you can save money by saving energy. 

Utilize Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

Compact fluorescent and LED bulbs are the most affordable, energy-efficient ones. These bulbs are cheaper as they consume less power and don’t emit elements harmful to the environment. 

Utilizing these bulbs lets you do your part to prevent the earth from accumulating additional pollutants. In turn, you play a role in helping the earth’s habitats to be physically healthier. 

Change Air Filters Regularly

A filter is a part of a furnace and an air conditioner that helps prevent dirt, dust, and other pollutants from lingering in your house’s air. As published in Better Home Guides, most experts have recommended filters be changed regularly every 60 to 90 days.

Additionally, a filter that’s left unchanged remains clogged. When your filter is clogged, it becomes more costly for your HVAC system to run. 

Maintain Your Air Vents to be Opened and Clear

When you keep your vents closed or blocked, your air conditioner must exert more effort than usual to distribute air within your home’s premises. Compare electricity and gas bills once you encounter this situation, and you’ll see they may become equally expensive with one another. 

Putting big furniture in front of the running vents blocks air distribution. Consequently, it also makes your electricity utility bills more expensive. 

Shower Quickly if It’s Possible

Like most people, you may prefer to shower with hot water. The utility bills for hot water are expensive. If you and one more person in your household lessen shower time by one minute, you can cut your water bill by $30 for more than a year.

Avoid indulging in the touch of the water on your skin after you’ve already cleaned your whole body. Doing so enables you to cut down your shower time possibly. 

Or better yet fill a bucket and take a bath with it. It’s not just about the hot water bill, it’s also about the water wastage. You don’t realize it, but an average shower takes about 8 minutes and 16 gallons (60.57 liters) of water! That is about 5670 gallons (ca. 21,463 l) a year!

Turn the Water Off When Not in Use

There are moments when you don’t have to keep your water running while shaving, washing your hands, and brushing your teeth. You only have to be alert to these moments in your household. By doing so, you can save running water from being wasted. 

In fact, you save around $19 for every five percent reduction in hot water consumption. Remember! Every penny counts! 

Buy New Appliances

Efficient appliances run on power lines more competently and, in turn, in a more swift manner. So, you save money when you replace old with new appliances. 

With this said it’s not advisable to have old appliances repaired multiple times every time they malfunction. Because old appliances need more power to work and operate properly. This will ultimately end up raising your electricity bill. The same tip goes for air conditioners, if they are too old and the gas leaks out too often from them then it’s better to now change it. 

A new appliance may cost you some money, but it’s definitely better than getting an extra electricity bill every month. 

Utilize a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat lets you turn on the heater and air-conditioner by schedule. An Energy.gov report indicates you save 10 percent on heating and cooling per year by turning your thermostat’s temperature from 10 F to 7 F every eight hours daily. 

Plus you can install a dimmer. Dimming the lights can reduce the wattage, which can efficiently help save energy and reduce the cost – according to the US government. 

Conclusion 

Exerting efforts to lessen utility expenses may continuously be challenging. With determination, you’ll get used to dealing with these challenges. Over time, saving on utility expenses may no longer be difficult for you and your family. 

And slowly with time, you’ll realize that saving on utilities can actually save you a lot of money plus contribute to the environment. 

Posted by

Samara Davis