10 Realistic Tips To Save On Utilities

If you’re looking to reduce your utility bills without sacrificing comfort, this article will guide you through effective strategies for saving on your electric bill. These tips are designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine, from upgrading to energy-efficient appliances to adopting smart habits like turning off lights when not in use and using programmable thermostats.

By implementing these practical changes, you can learn how to decrease your energy bill, enjoy a more sustainable lifestyle, and keep your home comfortable while cuting your expenses.

How Can You Reduce Your Utility Bills?

Improved energy efficiency measures and conservation practices in your home can reduce your utility bills. Utility bills typically include basic services like water, electricity, internet, gas and trash collection. American households' average monthly utility cost ranges from $500 to $600 , depending on usage patterns, home size and location.

An ideal utility goal is spending around 8% to 10% of your monthly income on utilities. These percentages can change depending on your location and specific needs. Monitor your consumption closely for everyday utilities like water, gas and electricity. Adjust your budget regularly to minimize spending and recognize areas for potential savings.

Below are 10 realistic ways to save on utilities.

1. Seal Air Leaks

Check for air leaks around doors, windows, and other openings in your home. Seal the leaks and close the gaps using weatherstripping, caulk or foam sealant. This prevents heated or cooled air from escaping, helping to ease the workload on your HVAC system.

Applying this tip improves the heating and cooling efficiency in your home. It can save you an average of 11% on total electricity costs . The national average to air seal a home ranges from $600 to $2,300 , depending on location, home size, and other factors. Sealing a house can take anywhere from 6-12 hours and may require multiple professional visits. Homeowners who want to improve the energy efficiency in their homes and maximize comfort can benefit from this cost-effective method.

2. Install A Programmable Thermostat

Replace your old thermostat with a programmable one that allows you to control the temperature settings based on your routine. Program the unit to automatically set specific temperatures when you're awake, asleep or away from home. This ensures you're not wasting electricity cooling or heating an empty house.

This tip optimizes HVAC usage and reduces your electricity and gas costs. With a programmable thermostat, you can save as much as 10% annually on heating and cooling expenses by lowering your thermostat by 7°-10°F for 8 hours daily from its regular setting. The average cost to install a programmable thermostat ranges from $170 to $190. Hiring an HVAC technician to install the device can cost between $25 and $100 hourly, including company overhead. This tip is useful for homeowners who want more control over their HVAC systems.

3. Switch To LED Bulbs

Replace all incandescent and CFL bulbs with LED ones. LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, reducing replacements and energy use. For maximum impact, start replacing the fixtures that you use the most.

This approach lowers lighting energy usage and saves you approximately $225 a year . Basic conversion to LED lighting is straightforward and takes no longer than changing light bulbs. The conversion cost to LEDs can range from $100 to $200. Conversion kits or fixture replacements can take longer and cost $50 to $150 per fixture. This technique is beneficial for anyone looking to reduce long-term energy costs.

4. Upgrade To Energy Star Appliances

When replacing old appliances, choose Energy Star-certified models. These appliances meet stringent energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and DOE and are designed to reduce energy use. Prioritize replacing high-energy consumers like refrigerators, washers and dryers.

Doing this impacts your electricity (and sometimes) your gas bills. For example, Energy Star-qualified refrigerators and dishwashers consume 9% and 12% less energy , respectively. While these units can significantly cost you upfront, they usually pay for themselves through energy savings over time. This method is ideal for homeowners looking to upgrade their appliances.

5. Insulate Your Water Heater

Wrapping your water heater in an insulating blanket reduces standby heat loss and energy use. This is an inexpensive way to improve energy efficiency and save on energy expenses. For added energy savings, insulate hot water pipes as well.

This tip reduces electricity or gas bills by minimizing water heating energy loss. It can cut water heating costs by 7% to 16% annually . Insulating your water heater yourself costs around $30 and can take about 1.5 hours to complete. Homeowners with older water heaters or those residing in colder climates can greatly benefit from this tip.

6. Use Cold Water For Laundry

Switch to cold water when doing most of your laundry loads to save on your energy bill. Many newly formulated laundry detergents, particularly liquid ones, work well in cold water. Some formulations work in temperatures as low as 60℉ .

Switching to cold water for most of your laundry can significantly save energy use through reduced water heating. With this simple habit change, the average household can save $150 a year . It requires no upfront costs but merely a change in habit. It's also an easy adjustment for anyone who does laundry at home.

7. Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Replace standard showerheads and faucet aerators with low-flow alternatives to reduce water bill and water heating energy costs. Depending on the model, these fixtures can cut your water usage by 30% to 50% . Opt for WaterSense showerheads, which are about 20% more efficient than other units.

Installing these water-saving fixtures can result in yearly savings of $50 to $90 or more on hot water heating and water use. Low-flow faucets and showerheads are affordable, starting at around $10. This method is ideal for homeowners looking to minimize water usage.

8. Utilize Natural Light And Ventilation

Maximize natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting by opening curtains and blinds. When the weather is favorable, minimize air conditioning use by ventilating with open windows and electric fans. These simple adjustments help reduce the use of lighting and cooling energy and create a more comfortable living environment.

Depending on your home design and climate, fan and open window ventilation can save 10% to 30% on cooling energy costs . This method requires mindful habits and zero upfront costs, making it ideal for homeowners with access to windows and natural light.

9. Maintain HVAC Systems Regularly

Schedule yearly maintenance for your heating and cooling systems and clean and replace filters every month. These practices ensure your HVAC systems run efficiently and maintain temperatures while minimizing energy use.

This method impacts your electricity and gas bills by optimizing your HVAC system efficiency. Installing an efficient HVAC system can save you up to 20% on your heating and cooling costs. Annual maintenance, which averages $75 to $200 , helps prevent costly repairs and extends the lifespan of the unit. Homeowners living in regions with extreme temperatures and those looking to increase their home's resale value will benefit from an efficient HVAC system.

10. Use Smart Power Strips

Use smart power strips to reduce standby power use from your electronics and appliances. These strips automatically detect when a device enters standby mode and automatically disconnect its power, effectively preventing energy drain.

This technique reduces electricity bills by eliminating phantom energy use. Smart power strips can cut standby power costs by as much as 20% over regular power strips, with potential savings reaching as high as 48% . Smart power strips tested and recommended by PCMag range in cost from $10 to $43 , depending on features like energy monitoring, voice control and added outlets. Households with multiple appliances and electronic devices will benefit from this tip.

Bottom Line

Reducing your utility bills by up to 30% is achievable. To optimize your savings, implement a mix of direct actions, like using efficient appliances, with indirect methods, such as improving insulation. This balanced approach ensures you can maximize your efforts to cut down utility expenses.

By Enoch Omololu, Contributor