Life costs too much. Between rent or mortgage, utilities, and groceries, it can feel as though you’re paying just to exist. Housing expenses tend to be non-negotiable—and we all have to eat—but your heat, electricity, and water usage represents an ideal opportunity to cut your cost of living. With these ways to save money on your utility bills, you can put some money back in your pocket and maybe even feel a little better about the state of the planet, too.
Water
Plentiful clean water is one of the great wonders of modern living. But being cavalier about its availability is something you can end up paying for—literally. By reducing your water usage in the bathroom, you can watch your water bills decline. Shorter showers aren’t hardships—in fact, forgoing daily shampooing is one of the best things you can do for your hair, meaning that getting in and out of the shower in less time actually has health benefits. Stay in the habit of not running the faucet while you brush your teeth or shave, and if your home doesn’t already have low-flow fixtures, analyze the costs and benefits of making the switch.
Natural Gas and Oil
In much of North America, people rely on natural gas to heat their homes and dry their clothes. In rural areas, typically in New England and the Canadian Maritimes, refillable tanks of heating oil stand in for gas. Combustible fuels are inexpensive relative to electricity in most locales, but wasteful usage of these resources can still lead to unnecessary spending. Unlike water waste, structural issues rather than usage patterns usually leave people paying too much for heating. Investigate your ductwork and windows for possible leakage, and make sure warm air isn’t rising to your attic and staying there, where it does no good. Check on the state of your furnace filter and ensure it’s intercepting particles to keep the furnace unit at peak efficiency.
Electricity
Gas costs tend to subside in the summers as furnaces lies dormant, but electricity expenses are year-round concerns, representing the most important avenue to save money on your utility bills. Your checkup for heat leaks is a two-pronged approach to cutting utility costs, as duct and window leaks can also cost you cool air from your air conditioner. If you haven’t switched over completely to energy-efficient light bulbs, the savings may surprise you. And though it sounds obvious, don’t run the lights in rooms you’re not occupying. The hourly cost of lighting a room may be a fraction of a cent, but cutting multiple lights over hours and days can represent a real dent in your electric bill and a boon to your bank account.