Over time, you eventually get used to those bills you have to pay every month. You never really like it, but you do come to expect it. You know that your electric bill or your phone bill can fluctuate based on usage, but you know that it’s always around the same amount, give or take a certain range. Ditto for your grocery bill. So you just suck it up and pay those bills and go about your business.
But you shouldn’t! There are always ways to save on your monthly bills, particularly when you are looking at those with fluctuating usage like the energy bill. By making some lifestyle changes and some different choices, you could actually save a lot of money on your utilities, helping you to create a new normal that is much more affordable. Here’s how:
Shop Around
Give up this mindset that you have to use a certain energy company because you always have or because you feel like you don’t have many other options. If you live in a large state or metropolitan area, chances are good that you have your choice of providers. For example, there are dozens of energy providers in Texas. By shopping around, you can choose a provider that gives you better rates and service terms.
If you let the energy providers know that you are shopping around, you may even be able to get a promotional offer that will either save you more money over a designated term (such as the first year) or that will let you lock in lower rates. Don’t be afraid to ask the company to do better on their offer. Don’t forget about perks like energy-saving light bulbs or a free home energy assessment that can also help you save in the long run.
Get Smart Gadgets
Technology has made it possible to automate just about everything. Instead of turning off the air conditioning when you are gone and then waiting a half hour for your home to cool off when you get home, you can set your smart thermostat to turn the air conditioner on about a half an hour before you get home. Then you can have a cool home when you get home, but you don’t have to waste money on the AC running all day when you aren’t at home. Photo by Midnightcom
You can use smart gadgets to control your lights, appliances, and other electronics as well. Putting these things on a time schedule will help you to save more on your electric costs.
Use Low-Flow Water Appliances
The toilet doesn’t need as much water as it uses to eliminate urine. But it might need it for something heavier. Instead of wasting water with every flush, you can get a low-flow toilet that conserves water with every flush and that changes the flush for the kind of waste inside.
You can also get low-flow shower heads, sink faucets, tub faucets, and more. Wherever you have water flowing, you should see if there is a low-flow option to help you save.
Choose Energy-Efficient Models
Everything from light bulbs to washing machines are available in energy-efficient models that use less electricity. One energy-efficient appliance may not save you much money on its own, but if you outfit your whole house with these appliances, you can save a lot over time. Ditto for using compact fluorescent light bulbs or other energy-efficient lighting throughout your whole house.
Get a Checkup
You may have a plumbing leak and not even know it. Water could be running into your walls or under your floors, costing you a lot of money and leading to extensive damages in your home. Similarly, your HVAC unit could have an electrical problem that is causing it to run less efficiently. Get a checkup on your electrical and plumbing systems, including all the appliances, to make sure that everything is in good shape and is operating efficiently. Otherwise, you’ll be paying much more than you should on utilities across the board.
You don’t have to resign yourself to what you are paying for your utilities each month. Shake things up and start saving on your energy bills, water bills, and other utilities. It just takes a few changes to make a big impact.
