If you constantly wonder how your monthly bills have racked up such a high amount, you’re not alone. Many of the costs that increase the price of those bills are due to small things around the house that add up over time. However, you can still lower your bills with thoughtfulness and discipline. Here are 12 ways to trim those costs without sacrificing comfort at home.
1. Regularly Service Your HVAC System
When that freezing winter or summer heat wave hits, your air conditioner and heating system work overtime. If your HVAC system is clogged or has maintenance issues, it strains harder to maintain the ideal temperature, which can drive those bills through the roof.
Make sure to schedule regular check-ups throughout the seasons, especially when extreme heat or cold is around the corner. Change your air filters every two to three months and keep vents clear of dust. Staying on top of your HVAC system’s maintenance allows it to run faster and use less energy, keeping your home comfortable without the higher cost.
2. Seal All Drafts and Air Leaks
Drafty windows and doors let in chilly breezes, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Sealing leaks and other airways keeps conditioned air where it belongs, making your home more energy-efficient and keeping your bills reasonable. Use weatherstripping for doors and caulk for gaps around windows.
3. Upgrade Your Home Insulation
If your attic or basement is poorly insulated, all the heat or cool air you’re paying for slips right outside. Investing in better insulation helps lock in that air, boosting comfort in your home and lowering costs year-round. An insulation savings calculator can show you how much you’ll actually save with good insulation. When you’re ready, call up a reputable insulation service in your area for a home upgrade.
4. Switch from Incandescent to LED Lights
Incandescent light bulbs are basically tiny space heaters. They use more electricity than anyone might realize. LED bulbs, on the other hand, use up to 90% less energy. They also last up to 25 times longer than regular bulbs. That means when you make the switch to LED lighting, you get lower electricity bills and spend less on replacement bulbs because you change them less often. LEDs are the perfect way to cut costs without dimming the comfort of your home.
5. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
Older appliance models are known to use a lot more energy than their more modern counterparts. When it’s time to replace that old fridge or washer, swap them out for something more modern and energy-efficient, like Energy Star appliances. These electronics use so little energy that they often pay for themselves in savings over time. Before shopping for new appliances, take the time to research which models fit your household’s needs. That way, you can get the right balance of performance and efficiency.
6. Unplug “Vampire Appliances” When Not in Use
Electronics like TVs and gaming consoles drain a lot of power even when you’re not using them, simply because they’re plugged in. These kinds of appliances are called energy vampires, and they drain your home’s energy without you even realizing it.
Cut that phantom energy by unplugging appliances and electronics when you’re not using them. These include things like microwaves, computers, and anything else that you might not be using on a daily basis.
7. Use Motion Sensor or Timed Lighting Outdoors
Leaving outdoor lights on all night can rack up your energy bills, too. If you can, invest in motion-detected lighting instead. Sensors or timers ensure that the lights outside only run when needed. This can trim costs while still keeping your yard and front porch safe and well-lit. It also makes for beautiful landscape lighting that sets the mood for a warm and inviting outdoor space!
8. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
Around 90% of the energy you use when you run the laundry goes toward your washing machine heating up the water. Fortunately, many detergents today work great even in cold water. Consider skipping the hot cycle and saving it only for towels or clothes that are really dirty and soiled. To maximize energy efficiency even more on laundry day, consider only running full loads.
9. Consider Using Solar Panels in the Long Run
Traditional electricity rates only seem to go up these days, which can leave you feeling trapped by your monthly bill and suffocated by annual inflation rates. If you want to explore a more sustainable and affordable way to power your home, switching to solar panels might be a great option for you. With solar roofing systems, you can generate your own clean energy and dramatically cut dependence on the grid.
10. Install Low-Flow Showerheads
Long, hot showers might feel amazing after an exhausting day, but you’ll pay the price when you use your water heater often. One thing that can help is installing low-flow showerheads, which can reduce water use without sacrificing hot showers. This is a great way to hit two birds with one stone and save on both water and electricity bills.
11. Clean Refrigerator Coils Regularly
Dirty, grimy coils make it harder for your fridge to stay cool, so it cranks up energy use by working harder to chill your food. Make sure you clean those coils at least once every six months. Unplug your fridge and use a vacuum or coil brush to remove all the gunk and dust back there. Clean coils means smoother operations for your fridge, leading to less wasted energy and more affordable bills.
12. Cook Smarter with Small Appliances
Electric ovens and stovetops take forever to heat up and use more energy than you think. If you’re simply heating up leftovers or cooking an easy meal for one, skip using the oven even if that’s what you’re used to. Instead, use smaller appliances, like an air fryer or toaster, that won’t use up too much energy. These appliances use a fraction of the power a stovetop or oven might.
Plus, smaller appliances don’t heat up your kitchen the same way an oven does. That means your AC doesn’t have to work so hard to keep the kitchen cool, which means even more energy efficiency in your home!
Endnote
Saving on utility costs doesn’t have to mean replacing every appliance you own or freezing through winter nights. It’s about being smarter with how your home runs day to day. Try some of the tips above to see what works best for your household and has the biggest impact on your bills.
