Every household does well to look for different ways to save money. One way that you can lower your expenses is to pay some attention to your utility costs. Depending on where you live and whether your rent or own your home, you may spend between $240-$400 a month on utilities alone.
The good news is that there are some ways to reduce this bill, while maintaining the happy and healthy home that you’re used to.
Doors and Windows
When you heat your house during the colder months, you might be surprised at how much of that wonderful heat can escape through your doors and windows. This doesn’t just slow down the heating of your home, it also wastes electricity.
If you suspect that your doors and windows are letting heat escape, then check the seal and consider repairing or replacing them entirely. While you’re at it, check the seal on your refrigerator and freezer, so that you know that cold air stays where it belongs.
Fix the Faucets
On a similar note, your leaky faucets can be terrible for your water bill. While it doesn’t seem like a lot, even a slow drip every 10 seconds or so can waste almost half a gallon of water every day. This is bad for the environment and your wallet, as all those gallons of water cost money.
Get your plumbing inspected regularly and, if you notice a dripping faucet, then get it fixed as quickly as possible. You might be able to fix it yourself or with the help of a handy friend if you don’t want to call out a plumber.
Use Smart Thermostats
By using a smart thermostat, you can set a preferred temperature and resist the urge to crank the heat or air conditioning up. Instead, your thermostat will automatically keep your home comfortable.
Even better, some thermostats tell you how much you’re spending. This can be a great incentive to nudge it a few degrees closer to the ambient temperature to save some money. If it’s cold, shrug on a cardigan.
Switch Power Source
One way to save money on your energy bills is to switch your power source and generate power yourself. Even better, if your home is capable of generating power, then you have a buffer against any blackouts. You can still keep your home warm and the lights on no matter what.
Many people use solar or wind power generators to top up their energy, lessening their energy bills. Another popular way to power your home is to use propane gas. Propane is cleaner than many other sources of energy and extremely efficient. Contact local propane suppliers to learn more.
Lower Power and Water Use
Finally, simply cutting down on how much you use can do wonders for your utility bill. Turn off electronic devices that you aren’t using, to stop that slow drain of electricity. Switch out lightbulbs. Take shorter showers and fewer baths. Wash clothes at a lower temperature. These small changes won’t impact your life that much, but they can impact your wallet.
