Your utility bills can easily feel like they’re depleting your wallet of your hard-earned money. Paying for utilities is a part of life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to save on them. There are many ways that you can cut back on how much these bills cost without noticing much of a change around your house on a day-to-day basis.
Change Filters Regularly
Air conditioning vents can get pretty gnarly, and they’re more than just unsightly to look at. Vents filled with debris, dust, and other build-up can cause strain to the system, causing it to work harder and, sometimes, fail. Changing your filter regularly allows air to flow more freely, allowing the system to breathe a bit easier. This can lead to a lower utility bill and a more comfortable living space during the dog days of summer.
Replace Old Appliances
You may think you’re saving money by squeezing all the life you can out of your old appliances, but holding on to them could be costing you more on your utility bills. Trading in old appliances for newer models allows your home to run more efficiently and can save money as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is a good thing for the planet. This increase in efficiency can save you hundreds of dollars on your utility bills a year. This goes especially for large devices like washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators.
Unplug Unused Appliances
Even appliances that are switched off can use electricity, raising your utility bills. If you’re not using an appliance or electrical item, be sure to unplug it so you’re not wasting electricity. This easy action will save you some green!
These days, large appliances like televisions and gaming consoles can draw a significant amount of power even when they’re off. You might want to consider putting them on a power strip so you can flip off the drain.
Seal Air Leaks
Your windows and doors can easily leak air from your home that is causing your heating or cooling system to work harder than it needs to. Look for damaged caulk or weatherstripping and repair these items to ensure all your hot or cold air stays where it’s intended—inside your home!
Keep Your Freezer Full
A full freezer is more than a back-up plan for dinner if you don’t feel like cooking. It’s also a good way to help your freezer work less and keep electricity costs down. The more that’s in your freezer, the less air flower there will be inside there, which results in less use of electricity to keep it going. If you don’t feel like purchasing tons of food to fill your freezer with, add empty boxes or containers in there to achieve the same goal.
Use Your Dishwasher Wisely
Your dishwasher certainly makes life easier, but be sure to use it wisely in order to cut down on your water and electricity usage. First, make sure to rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. This helps your dishwasher to not work so hard to get your dishes clean. Second, only run this appliance when it’s completely full. This will also help the planet, which is also a great thing, too!
Make Double Use of Water
When you rinse fruits and veggies before eating them or chopping them up to throw in a salad, rinse them over a pot in the sink. Use the water that’s collected in the pot to water plants around your house or your garden. Don’t let that water go to waste!
Use Quality Curtains
Getting an effective set of blackout curtains that block out light will help you save funds on utilities. Curtains like these keep cold or warm air in your home, allowing you to give your heating or cooling system a break. Put these on the windows that receive the most sunlight or that or notoriously drafty for maximum effect.
Instill a Laundry Day
Doing all your laundry in one day is a great way to save money on utilities. Using your dryer back to back means it will still be hot and won’t have to reheat up between loads. It’s that simple!
Hang Dry Your Clothes
Speaking of laundry, hang drying your clothes altogether can save you a lot of money on your utility bills. Make use of the great outdoors and that fresh breeze to naturally dry your clothes.
These simple but effective ways to save on utilities will make your wallet a bit heftier while also helping the earth, which is an added bonus!
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