If your monthly utility bills are causing you unnecessary stress, it is time to make a change to how you approach energy and water use at home. Luckily, there are easy ways to tackle this and keep more of your hard-earned money. Read on to learn more.
Rethink Your Utility Provider
In some areas, utility providers offer a single package. If you are lucky enough to have options, you should shop for the best deal on electricity just as you do when you look for clothing or a new car. Do your research and determine which option is the best for your household needs and budget. Always read the fine print to understand how changes in energy billing or packages will be processed. Making this type of switch is a good move to reduce your monthly bill.
Invest in Airflow
No matter what season you are in, your home can benefit from more airflow – specifically, from ceiling fans. Contact a licensed electrician to install ceiling fans in the main living areas and bedrooms. The extra airflow, combined with summer air conditioning or winter heat from the furnace, or even open windows in the spring, will help circulate the air throughout the house. In the warmer months, the direction of the fan blades will pull air up and create a cooling breeze. In the winter, switch the direction of the fan to help push warm air down.
Assess Your Insulation
If your home is older or the builder skimped on insulation, you might notice that your monthly energy bills are higher than they should be. Hire a professional to inspect your attic to determine the state of your current insulation and apply more, if needed. The added layer and upgraded product technology will help insulate your home from the elements no matter what the temperature is outside. In turn, this will help reduce your energy bills.
Watch this video for a real-world assessment of one homeowner’s experience after adding more insulation to his attic.
Use Water Wisely
Water is a precious resource, and it is also costly. Since you pay for it monthly, you should use it wisely to save money. Fortunately, this is one of the easiest tips on this list to incorporate into your home life. Start with these ideas:
- Always turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
- Only run the dishwasher when it is full.
- Turn the faucet off when hand washing your dishes. Turn it on again to rinse.
- Most wash cycles can be run in the cold water setting. Try to run a full load. If you have smaller or more delicate clothing, always select a specialized or smaller load cycle.
- When washing your vehicle at home, turn off the water while washing the car and turn it on when you are ready to rinse.
By incorporating these hacks into your home life, you will be closer to keeping your money in your wallet while saving energy and water at the same time. Some of the items on this list are an investment up front, but they will pay off over time and save you money.
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