Utility bills can feel like the hardest bills to lower, especially when it comes to cable, phone and internet. However, your energy bill is a utility bill you can change with a few good habits and simple practices.
In summer, one of the biggest drains on your energy comes from your cooling bill, so finding ways to manage your thermostat and cool your apartment naturally will make an immediate impact on your monthly bill. No matter what time of year it is, leaving lights, devices and appliances on or plugged in can be a sneaky drain on your energy usage, bumping up your bill without your even realizing it. Be sure to also switch out your light bulbs for more energy-efficient and cost-effective options, like CFL or LED bulbs.
Let’s face it-we all like saving money, and saving money on utilities can really feel like budgeting success. Here are simple ways to help you lower your utility bills.
Cost-Effective Cooling
As much as you can, try to cool your house naturally and avoid using heat-raising appliances until evening or after dark. Simple tricks like keeping your blinds or curtains down during the day, running your dishwasher, washer and dryer in the evenings and opening windows and using fans instead of forced air will all help to keep your apartment cool and comfortable without raising your energy bill.
Change Your Bulbs
The next time you have to replace a light bulb, make sure to replace it with an LED or CFL bulb. LED and CFL bulbs are less expensive and they last much longer than regular light bulbs. They also use less energy, making them a cost saver in every way!
Adjust Your Thermostat
During the summer months, try to keep your thermostat set to 78 degrees whenever possible, and you’ll notice significant cost savings on your next energy bill. If 78 is uncomfortable while you’re home, try setting it to 78 when you leave for work or go to bed at night. Even changing your thermostat setting for several hours a day can make a big difference in your energy bill.
Laundry Hacks
Making two small changes to the way you do laundry can help you to save money on your electricity bill and on your monthly cleaning supplies budget. Instead of using dryer sheets, switch to wool dryer balls, which cut down on dryer time and save you from spending money on dryer sheets. Whenever possible, wash clothes in cold water. Cold water requires less energy, and will cut down on your electricity consumption on laundry days.
Turn Off & Unplug
You’d be surprised how much energy you waste just by leaving devices, lights and appliances on and even plugged in. Before you go to bed each night, make sure to unplug your cable box, turn off your TV and all other devices and appliances. Finally, when you leave a room, make sure to turn off all lights.