When it comes to decreasing your utility bills, it’s more than saving money. There’s also the environmental impact, which is the bigger picture.
For homeowners, heating and cooling costs make up a significant portion of their regular spending. It’s no surprise that consumers are looking for ways to cut down on their outlays, especially with rates rising steadily.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that in 2019, American residences used an average of 877-kilowatt hours every month. Reducing that consumption can put some dollars back in your pocket.
Here are a few suggestions that can help you save a lot on your monthly expenditure.
Negotiate a Cost-Saving Contract
Most people don’t know this, but you can work out an arrangement with your energy provider for favorable rates in this competitive market.
First, you’ll need to decide what you want upfront. When you approach the utility company, have the mindset that everything is negotiable. After all, the worst that can happen is that you’ll get a no.
If you get an offer, you should decline the first one as it’s likely not the best one. Haggling takes a bit of skill, but you can get a better deal on your gas and electricity if you try.
Adopt Energy Efficiency Upgrades
These measures range from plugging in smart power strips to a complete overhaul of your HVAC system and can generate savings on your utility bills over their lifespan. The amount you’ll save is usually proportionate to the cost of your improvement.
For instance, if you spend a few dollars replacing light bulbs, you’ll reduce your spending marginally. However, upgrading the insulation in your home can cut your expenditure on heating and cooling by a considerable chunk.
If you’re planning to change to such appliances, you should look for those with the ENERGY STAR label, a federal guarantee that they’ll consume less power than standard products.
Changing Your Behavior
If you’re on a tight budget and can’t go out and buy energy-saving products, you don’t have to. You can minimize your usage by doing simple things differently in your home, such as switching off appliances and lights when you’re not using them.
You can also perform specific household tasks manually, like hanging your clothes outside instead of putting them in a dryer.
Did you know that computers consume a lot of power too? Turn them off when you’re not using them. Forget the screensaver. Switch off your monitor. It’s not going to affect its lifespan because today’s technology allows such devices to be shut down and rebooted over 40,000 times.
Reduce Consumption from Idle Equipment
Many electronics, like televisions, are on standby even when you’re not using them, as long as you plug them in. You can use a power strip to turn off all devices by a flip of the switch. It takes the work off individually unplugging every socket.
Adjust Your Thermostat
The most significant portion of your utility bills come from heating and cooling costs, so it makes sense that a reduction in usage will provide substantial savings.
All it takes is to use less of your air conditioner during summer and turning the heat down in winter.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Saver consumer resource says that you can save almost 10% annually by turning back your thermostat 7°-10°F for about 8 hours a day.
By installing a programmable regulator, you can set it to reduce usage and adjust the temperature automatically. You can stop wasteful use without upgrading your HVAC system.
Use Your Drapes
Your home can lose lots of heat through your windows, which can increase your heating bill by up to 25%. An easy solution is to pull down your shades during the day to keep sunlight out. It’ll help maintain the coolness in your house. When it’s winter, let in the sunshine.
How Much Can You Save?
At a glance, the reduction in your utility bills may not seem like much, but in the long run, your savings can add up to hundreds of dollars every year. That’s a lot of money you can spend on other stuff just by taking a few or all of the steps mentioned.
You’ll also be doing the environment a huge favor by reducing your energy consumption.