35 Ways to Reduce your Utility Bills

Electricity

The cost of electricity is quickly rising. There was a period of time in 2022 where charging an electric car was more expensive than filling up a tank of gas. Here are ten ways you can reduce your electricity bill.

1. Use energy-efficient appliances: Switch to energy-efficient appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, which use less energy and can significantly reduce your energy bill.
2. Upgrade your light bulbs: Replace your traditional incandescent light bulbs with LED light bulbs, which use less energy and last longer. My entire house is equipped with LED lighting. It makes a huge difference.
3. Adjust your thermostat: Adjust your thermostat to a higher temperature in the summer and a lower temperature in the winter, to reduce the amount of energy needed to cool or heat your home. Consider getting a learning thermostat. My Nest learning thermostat works great. Other great brands include Nexia by Trane and Honeywell. (No affiliation)
4. Use power strips: Use power strips to easily turn off multiple electronics at once when they are not in use, reducing standby power usage.
5. Unplug electronics when not in use: Unplug electronics when they are not in use, or use smart power strips that automatically turn off electronics when they are not being used. If you were a gamer in the late 2000’s, you may remember the launch of the Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360. There were several news articles and online posts about how much electricity those gaming consoles used, even when they were off or idle. If you don’t plan to use your electronics the next day, just switch off the power strip.
6. Seal your home: Seal your home to prevent drafts, which can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home. Using a cheap foam gasket around my garage door made a big difference in the temperature of our basement.
7. Install solar panels: Install solar panels on your home to generate your own energy and potentially reduce or eliminate your electricity bill.
8. Install wind or geothermal generators if solar is not your thing.
9. Consider time-of-use plans: Consider switching to a time-of-use plan with your energy provider, which charges different rates based on the time of day, allowing you to save money by using energy during off-peak hours.
10. Reduce water heater usage: Reduce your water heater usage by taking shorter showers, using cold water for laundry, and lowering the temperature on your water heater.

Water

1. Fix leaks: Fix any leaks in your faucets, showerheads, and toilets to prevent wasting water.
2. Use a low-flow showerhead: Install a low-flow showerhead to reduce the amount of water used while showering.
3. Consider a low-flow toilet: This will reduce the amount of water used to flush waste or blackwater.
4. Shorten shower time: Take shorter showers to reduce the amount of water used.
5. Don’t let water run unnecessarily: Don’t let water run unnecessarily while brushing your teeth or washing your hands.
6. Use a dishwasher: Use a dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand, as it uses less water.
7. Only run full loads: Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they are full to avoid using excess water.
8. Water your lawn efficiently: Water your lawn efficiently by watering it early in the morning or late at night, using a soaker hose, and only watering when necessary.
9. Install a rain barrel: Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater and use it to water your plants and lawn.
10. Use a broom instead of a hose: Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalks.
11. Use a pool cover: Use a pool cover to prevent evaporation and reduce the need to refill your pool.
12. Check your bill for accuracy: Check your sewer bill regularly to ensure it accurately reflects your water usage. If you notice any discrepancies, contact your water and sewer provider to have it corrected.

Natural or Propane Gas

1. Use a programmable thermostat: Use a programmable thermostat to set your heating and cooling system to automatically adjust the temperature when you are away from home or asleep.
2. Seal air leaks: Seal any air leaks in your home by weather-stripping doors and windows, and caulking gaps around pipes and electrical outlets.
3. Upgrade your insulation: Upgrade your insulation to help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
4. Maintain your HVAC system: Have your HVAC system regularly serviced and maintained to ensure it is running efficiently.
5. Use ceiling fans: Use ceiling fans to circulate air and help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
6. Lower your water heater temperature: Lower your water heater temperature to save on energy costs.
7. Use energy-efficient appliances: Use energy-efficient appliances, such as dryers and ovens to save on gas usage.
8. Cook efficiently: Cook efficiently by using the right size burner for your pots and pans, and covering your pots while cooking.
9. Consider solar: Consider installing a solar water heater or solar panels to generate your own energy and reduce gas usage.
10. Use propane space heaters: Use propane space heaters in the rooms you spend the most time in, instead of heating the entire house.
11. Use propane for outdoor activities: Use propane for outdoor activities, such as grilling and camping, instead of using charcoal or wood.
12. Check your propane supplier: Shop around and compare prices and service from different propane suppliers to ensure you are getting the best price.

Trash Collection

Lastly, there is trash collection. You may pay this as part of your HOA, or you may pay a bill directly to a trash and recycling company like Waste Management or Republic. This can cost you as much as $50 per month while others pay as little as $15 per month. I know a few retirees and single people who fill a quarter of a trash can each week. If this sounds like you, you can cancel your trash bill and discard of your small trash bags at any public trash can. You can find these at fuel stations, outside fast food restaurants, or at the entrance of your favorite big box store.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce your utility bills and save money over time. Enjoyed this content, subscribe below for a newsletter every one to three months.