Do you have inflation worries, especially with the rising costs of your household utility bills? Here are 10 tips and tricks for lowering your monthly utility bills:
- Solar Energy. Consider the savings and tax incentives of switching to green energy, by buying a solar installation, and reaping the cost and tax benefits of switching to green energy. It’s easy to finance the installation with a solar financing plan. You’ll be able to get your solar system installed immediately and start saving on power right out of the gate. The solar PV panels located on your property do not necessarily have to be installed on your roof if they generate electricity for use at your residence. Solar powered landscape lighting can also provide big utility savings, in addition to discouraging home break-ins, when the lights go on automatically with a timer, and motion sensor.
- Energy Efficient Light Bulbs. Switching to dimmable, energy efficient light bulbs can make a difference in your electric bill.
- Programmable Thermostats. Save by making your home more energy efficient with a programmable thermostat. You won’t have to worry about leaving the house and forgetting to turn off the air or heat.
- Newer Appliances. Purchase or rent newer appliances with high energy efficiency for your long-term savings.
- Adjust Water Temperature. By washing your clothes in warm instead of hot, or cold instead of warm, you can cut your per-load energy usage by about 50%. Settling for a slightly less hot shower can also make a difference in cost.
- Shorter Showers. A two-minute shorter shower time a can save you 5 gallons of water. Also, the replacement of your showerhead to a more efficient model can reduce your water usage by 2,700 gallons per year.
- Smart Power Strips. By plugging your electronics into a smart power strip you’ll automatically cut off the current when the devices aren’t in use.
- Weatherstripping. There are some easy fixes for reducing cold air from entering your home from your windows by applying weatherstripping seals.
- Energy Bill Audit. Get an electrical Kilowatt energy audit from your current provider and ask about discounted rates for green energy. These charges are measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), with most electricity retailers charging between 25 and 40 cents per kWh, depending on your state and electricity tariff. Some utility providers do offer cheaper rates during certain times of the day, making laundry and other energy-intensive chores 5% to 25% less expensive during off-peak times.
- Bill Monitoring Software. Use a free bill monitoring service to keep your cell phone bill as low as possible. There are companies that will monitor your bill for new fees that pop up, and make sure you’re on the most cost-effective plan for your calling patterns and usage. Best of all, they don’t charge a fee, they just keep 25% of what they save you.
