Utilities can take quite a bite out of your income if you don’t monitor them closely.
There are a few ways to save money on your utilities if you’re diligent, work at it, and monitor your usage of all utilities.
The utility bills include any energy bills you have, including water/sewer, gas, hydro, heating (oil or other).
If you don’t monitor what’s happening with your usage, these bills can eat away at your income very easily.
This doesn’t take a lot of time, but a few minor steps to ensure you’re not paying more than you need to will help to cut down on the amounts you pay for all your utilities.
Let’s examine and find ways to decrease those pesky utility bills.
Of course these are simply guidelines and not everyone can do everything listed here. Try and find the savings where you can.
First thing to do is to check your bills for any hidden charges, charges you don’t understand, or you’re not sure about. Call the company and find out what exactly you’re paying for and learn about your bills.
HYDRO – APPLIANCES & ELECTRICAL
Any appliances plugged in will drain some electricity. There are clocks and on lights on a lot of appliances. Any unnecessary appliances should be unplugged if it’s not something you use regularly. For example, if you only use your toaster, kettle, air fryer or any other appliances periodically, then unplug them until you need them. It only takes a second to plug them in for use. It’s been said that you can save up to $200 a year just by unplugging unnecessary appliances or electrical items around your home.
Try cooking more often outdoors especially in summer, ie. barbeque, to save on electricity or gas usage.
Use cold water when washing laundry to save on hot water costs.
Also, try to make sure you have a decent sized load when washing laundry. Doing many small loads will use up more water and electricity.
Only run the dishwasher when you have a full load to cut down on how often you use it.
Run the dishwasher on a quick wash setting (ie. one hour instead of two) if the dishes don’t need the full wash. Only do what’s necessary to save money.
Unplug any devices, lamps, extension cords, etc. for items not used regularly. While this seems like a pain, it will help cut down on the electricity bill.
Use ceiling fans if you have them rather than turning on the air conditioning when you can. Turn them on for the room you’re in, rather than cooling the whole home with A/C.
When shopping for new appliances, buy appliances that are energy efficient to save money.
Do your research when shopping for new appliances. Also, price match appliances when shopping for new ones to save money.
HEATING & COOLING – GAS & ELECTRICAL
Check for window leaks. Redo the caulking around your windows where needed.
Keep the thermostat as low as you can but stay comfortable. 68 degrees is the suggested room temperature.
Opening windows in the winter will suck out the heat that is costing you money.
Check outer doors for drafts or leaks and fix where necessary.
Keep the blinds down or the curtains drawn in the summer and winter during the day to keep out the heat or cold to save on costs when you can.
WATER & WATER HEATER
Cut down on heating costs for your water heater by adjusting the temperature.
Take short showers when you can.
Don’t leave water running when you don’t need to.
Water your lawn in the early morning when it’s less likely to evaporate quickly. Water evaporates faster in the hot hours later in the day or evening. It will absorb into the roots easier in the morning and cost you less money than if you water later in the day.
There are lots of ways to cut costs, and these are just a few to get you started. As you start looking around your home, you might discover other ways to save on your utilities. Anything you do to cut costs and be vigilant with keeping costs down will ultimately be more money in your pocket, and less to pay out.
