Utility bills are the epitome of stress-inducing situations you experience when owning a home. You may have gone through your residence, checked all windows, doors, and seals, and still can’t seem to make a dent in savings on your energy bill.
What else is there to do? Actually, there’s plenty. Here are five ways to reduce your utility bills and find those money-consuming culprits.
Adjust Your Water Heater Temp
It takes a substantial amount of heat to warm water up. Water heaters typically come with a factory setting of 140 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure warmth and prevent bacteria growth responsible for illnesses like Legionnaire’s disease.
On the other hand, adjusting your water heater temperature benefits your energy usage, as it uses less to maintain warmth. Instead of the standard 140 degrees Fahrenheit, adjust the gauge to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing so can reduce your water heating costs by up to 10 percent.
Switch Out Your Light Bulbs
It’s a given to state that light bulbs are among the most, if not the most, essential pieces of equipment you need at home. But some options aren’t as energy-efficient as others.
By going through your appliances and swapping out the bulbs with fluorescent or LED bulbs, you can save yourself around $50 to $75.
Swap Appliances Out for Energy-Efficient Alternatives
Your washer, dryer, and dishwasher are all magnificent tools that make life that much easier. But if your current appliances are using copious amounts of energy to do their tasks, you might as well bid your hard-earned money ado.
If you’re in the market for newer models, consider swapping them out with energy-efficient alternatives that use less water and energy. You’ll be surprised by the hidden savings you’ll discover on next month’s bill.
Consider Taking Shorter Showers
Before you gasp in shock, know that you don’t have to cut the shower time drastically! If you’re used to taking 30-minute showers, consider shaving 3 to 5 minutes off your time. Reducing your shower time even this much can cut your water usage by several gallons.
Turn Off Your AC
Turning off your AC when going on vacation is appropriate if it’s going to be longer than two weeks. However, if you’re just leaving for the weekend, you can get away with giving your thermostat a nudge of 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce costs.
Fortunately, it doesn’t take lots of time and effort to lower energy. These methods can reduce your utility bills. You’ll use less energy during the day and be more mindful of best practices.
