Homeowners are always looking for ways to save money, and one area where significant savings can be found is on your home’s utility bills. One of the best ways to save money on utility bills is by making simple changes to how you use your home. These can range from replacing appliances to simply turning fixtures off when they’re not in use. Keep reading for easy ways to reduce energy consumption and lower monthly expenses.
Replace Windows
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their windows are responsible for a significant amount of energy loss. Replacing your old windows with new, energy-efficient ones can help to reduce this energy loss and lower your utility bills. Today’s windows are designed with special coatings that reflect heat and UV rays, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. They also come with tight-fitting seals that prevent drafts from coming in. Not only will replacing your windows save money on energy bills, but it’s an energy-efficient home upgrade with a high ROI.
You can also redo the caulking if you don’t want to fully replace a window. Caulking is a soft, pliable material used to seal gaps and prevent air and water from passing through. Over time, caulking can become dried out and cracked, allowing air to leak into your home. Replacing old, damaged caulking is a quick and easy way to reduce energy loss and save money on utility bills.
Turn Off & Unplug Appliances When Not in Use
One of the easiest ways to lower your monthly utility bills is to simply remember to turn off lights and appliances when you leave a room or aren’t using them. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget, especially in busy households. Leaving just one light on for an hour a day can add up over time, and the same goes for appliances like televisions, computers, and chargers. To help save money and energy, try to get into the habit of turning everything off when you’re finished with it.
Another small fix is unplugging appliances like laptops and TVs after use, as they continue to use electricity even when turned off. This is known as vampire power or phantom load and can account for up to 10% of your total energy usage. Many people find it helpful to plug all of their appliances into a power strip to easily switch them off when they’re not in use.
Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs & Appliances
Consider installing energy-efficient light bulbs. LED bulbs use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. As a result, homeowners who switch to LED bulbs can save money on their energy bills and bulb replacement costs. LED bulbs cost more up-front, but they’ll have bigger savings down the road.
Another place to swap to energy-efficiency models is in appliances like refrigerators and washing machines. When it comes time to replace an old device, choose an energy-efficient model. Energy-efficient appliances use less energy and, as a result, will cost you less in utility bills. Be sure to look for appliances that carry the ENERGY STAR® label. These appliances have been independently certified to be among the most energy-efficient on the market.
Smart Thermostat Use
Smart thermostats are equipped with sensors and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing them to automatically adjust the temperature based on the occupants’ daily routines. Not only is this more convenient, but it can also help to lower your energy bill. By automatically turning off when you’re not home and turning back on a few minutes before you arrive, a smart thermostat can help you to avoid wasting energy. In addition, many smart thermostats come with user-friendly apps that make it easy to adjust the temperature even when you’re not at home.
You can save energy even without a smart thermostat by making a few simple manual adjustments. Whenever you leave the house for an extended period during the warm months, turn the thermostat up a couple of degrees. Just be sure not to set it too high—you don’t want your air conditioning to have to work overtime to cool the house back down. Similarly, you can set the temperature lower during colder months.
Water Bill Saving Tips
There are several ways to save money on your water bill. One way is to install low-flow fixtures such as showerheads and toilets. Low-flow fixtures use less water, leading to significant savings over time. Another way to save is to ensure that all leaks are repaired promptly. Even a tiny leak can waste a lot of water, so it’s important to fix any leaks as soon as possible.
General water conservation tips are helpful as well. You’ve likely heard some of them before—turn the faucet off while brushing your teeth, don’t take excessively long showers, etc. And if you’re interested in landscaping, you can consider using drought-tolerant plants. These plants require less water to stay healthy, so you won’t water as frequently. You can also collect rainwater to use for watering the plants.
Start Saving on Your Utility Bills
You can start saving money on utility bills by taking these simple steps. Every little bit helps, so even if you only implement one or two of these tips, you’ll still see a difference in your monthly expenses. In some cases, some of these renovations may help you save on your taxes when it comes time to sell your home. By making small changes to how you use energy in your home, you can lower your utility bills and put more money back in your pocket.
