Utilities are an essential part of everyday life. Many American households rely on them entirely. These utilities include water, gas, electricity, and trash service. However, the cost of utilities has been rising during the past decade. It’s estimated that an average American household would spend 11% or about $7,000 on paying household utilities alone. That’s a lot of money.
Reducing utility costs means finding ways to use less of these services. But that doesn’t mean that you have to suffer. It can be inconvenient to sacrifice needed utilities to save money. Here are five ways to reduce your home’s utility expenses without making significant changes to your lifestyle.
Replace Old Appliances
Old appliances use more energy than newer models. If your appliances are more than a few years old, consider replacing them with Energy Star certified appliances. These appliances use 10-50% less energy than older models. They also cost less to operate, saving you money on your utility bills.
If you don’t know which appliance to replace first, consider your air conditioner. Air conditioners take up a decent chunk of your utility bills, and by installing a new air conditioner, you can save up to 30% on your cooling costs. That’s a lot of savings you can put into your investments instead. Other appliances you should replace are your water heater, clothes washer and dryer, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
It’s also good to unplug appliances that you’re not using. However, even if they’re turned off, they can still use electricity. This is called phantom power or standby power. TV sets, game consoles, and coffee makers are some of the common appliances that use phantom power.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can save you money on your heating and cooling costs. By programming the thermostat to lower the temperature when you’re not home, you can save 10-15% on your energy bill. You can also set the thermostat to a higher temperature in the summer and a lower temperature in the winter to save even more.
Adding insulation to your home is another way to reduce your heating and cooling costs. By insulating your walls and attic, you can keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air during the summer. This will help you save money on your energy bills and keep your home more comfortable.
Replace Your Light Bulbs
Replacing your light bulbs is one of the easiest ways to reduce your energy usage. Old incandescent bulbs use a lot of energy and generate a lot of heat. Replacing them with energy-efficient CFL or LED bulbs can save you money on your energy bill. CFL bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and LED bulbs use 90% less energy.
You can also save money by using natural light instead of artificial light. During the day, open your curtains and blinds to let in the sunlight. You can also add solar tubes to your home to bring in natural light.
If you’re planning for a huge renovation, consider putting some skylights in your home. Skylights are a great way to let in natural light, and they can save you money on your energy bill.
Seal Your Home
One of the biggest causes of high energy bills is drafts. If your home is drafty, you’re paying to heat and cool the outdoors. Sealing your home can help you save money on your energy bills.
You can seal your windows with weatherstripping or caulk. Weatherstripping is a cheaper option, and it’s easy to do yourself. However, it only lasts for a few years. Caulk is more expensive, but it lasts longer.
You can also seal your doors with a door sweep or threshold seal. A door sweep is a piece of weatherstripping that you attach to the bottom of your door. A threshold seal is a strip of rubber or metal that you stick to the door threshold. These seals will help keep the cold air out in the winter and the hot air in the summer.
Reduce Water Usage
Water is another utility that many American households use. The average American family uses 400 gallons of water per day. That’s a lot of water compared to the rest of the world.
You can reduce your water usage by fixing leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, and taking shorter showers. Fixing leaks can save you up to 10,000 gallons of water per year. Installing low-flow fixtures can save you up to 20% on your water bill. Taking shorter showers will also help you save water.
By following these tips, you can reduce your overall utility expenses. This will free up more money for other things like investments and savings. So start saving today.
Meta Title: Reduce Home Utility Expenses By Following These Tips
Meta Description: Utility expenses take up a decent chunk of an American household’s overall income. Here’s how to reduce your overall utility expenses for better savings.