Do you cringe each month when you get your utility bills? When you see a super high bill, do you wonder what happened? We’ve all been there, and high bills for gas, electricity and cable can certainly put a dent in your bank account.
But all is not lost. If you want to keep your utility bills low, here are some habits you can change.
1. Use it or lose it
It’s easy to keep lights on after you’ve left a room or keep a heater cranked even if you’re not cold. In fact, keeping the water on might be second nature for you.
But, if you want to save money on your utilities, you may want to instead adopt a use it or lose it strategy. In other words, if you’re not using it, lose it. Turn it off.
Besides simply getting into the habit of turning everything off, it also helps to practice mindfulness when it comes to your consumption of energy and other resources. Ask yourself, “Am I using this right now? Does this need to be on?” If the answer is no, take some time to turn off certain appliances. This may help you feel better as well as save money on your electric, water and heating bills.
2. Buy energy efficient products
If you have to buy a new appliance like a fridge, washer or dryer, make sure you buy an energy efficient model. This will help cut down on your electricity costs and you may also be eligible for rebates. If you don’t need a new appliance, you can also save money simply by swapping out your incandescent light bulbs for energy-efficient options. According to Energy.gov, if you replace your five most used light fixtures with ENERGY STAR models, you can save up to $75 per year.
3. Keep your thermostat temperature low
Having just the right temperature in your home is important. But let’s face it, you’re probably at work and gone for at least eight hours a day. You certainly don’t need to be blasting the heat or air-conditioning when you’re not home.
To help you save money, consider keeping your thermostat set seven to 10 degrees lower than you normally do. While you may decide to manually change the temperature to suit your comfort level when you’re home, this will help you from wasting energy in the long-run. In fact, by doing this one simple thing, you can potentially save 10 percent of your heating and cooling costs each year, according to Energy.gov.
4. Unplug
If you’re not using a certain appliance, consider unplugging it to help reduce your electrical costs, according to Energy.gov. Just think about it: when you’re not using your TV, coffee maker, and phone charger, they are probably still plugged into the wall socket. Give your appliances a break and unplug. Your wallet will also thank you.
5. Plug up leaks
It’s common for windows and doors to have air leaks. Hot or cool air coming in or out through these holes and gaps can result in higher energy costs without you even realizing it. To fix this, try caulking your doors and windows to create seals and prevent air from getting in or out of your windows and doors. Check out this how-to-guide to get started. According to Energy.gov, this simple change can result in a savings of $83 to $166 per year.
6. Get advanced power strips
While it’s a good idea to unplug your electronics when they’re idle or not in use, sometimes you’re in a rush or you may forget. The solution? Advanced power strips (APS). These can help lower energy costs by reducing the electricity that is used when your devices are not being used.
7. Negotiate your bills
You might think that your utility bills are set in stone but this isn’t always the case.
Companies like Billcutterz or Trim can help you negotiate better rates on services like cable, wireless, and cell phone. In essence, Trim and Billcutterz can contact your providers for you and do all the dirty work. These cost-saving services are free and make money if they actually score you some savings or refer you to a partner. Of course, you can always pick up the phone and call your service providers yourself. You may be able to negotiate a lower price on your own.
Bottom line
Your utility bills can spike at any time and it can be frustrating. Luckily, you can refer to these 7 tips to effectively lower your utility bills. This, in turn, will help you free up money to save for your financial goals.
This page is for informational purposes only. Chime does not provide financial, legal, or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for financial, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own financial, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
