Everyone is looking for ways to save money, and no time more so than now, when the cost of living seems to be increasing at a rapid rate.
Unfortunately, when it comes to things like electricity, gas, and other utilities, it can be a little harder to cut back on what are, for the most part, necessary expenses.
There are, however, some simple things you can do to save money and help keep those utility bills down, and, in fact, we have 37 of them for you! Many will seem obvious, but it is good to get a reminder sometimes of the little things we can all do to help save a little more.
Some of these will require an outlay of time and money, but many are inexpensive, or simply require a change in daily habits. Maybe start by choosing a few that fit your current budget, and see the difference it makes!
Save Money on Heating and Cooling
- Replace your insulation to help trap warm air in during the cooler months, and cool air in during the warmer months.
- Insulate your ceiling to prevent hot or cold air seeping in or escaping.
- Repair any cracks in seals or around windows and doors to prevent air escaping both in and out of your home.
- Turn down the temperature on your heating and cooling appliances to a “comfortable” temperature setting instead of setting at the lowest or highest.
- Change and/or clean filters regularly on your air conditioning systems to ensure your system is not working too hard.
- Make the most of natural airflow by opening windows when you can let cool air flow through, or want to trap warm air in.
- Service your air conditioner to ensure optimal running.
- Make the most of your ceiling fans or install them. Ceiling fans will help circulate cool and warm air to help make you “feel” cooler or “warmer”. This will mean less reliance on your air conditioner, or other forms of heating to push cool or warm air. Ceiling fans are also extremely energy efficient.
- Direct hot air outside in summer where you can by placing a pedestal fan near an open window. A simple, but cost effective solution if you don’t have other forms of cooling in your home.
- Close off your fireplace chimney where you can in winter to reduce the rising warm air escaping outside.
- Turn off your air conditioner when you are not home. Modern air conditioners are very efficient at cooling your home quickly.
- Use the blinds to direct sunlight that may warm your home during the cooler months, or block out warmth during the warmer months.
- Invest in smart technology so that you can turn heating and cooling units on and off at home, or while away, or set schedules, so you are only using energy when needed.
Save Money on Water Usage
- Use your dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand. It uses considerably less water than filling the sink.
- Only run your dishwasher when it is full. Avoid running half loads.
- Don’t rinse dishes before placing into the dishwasher. Modern dishwashers and cleaning solutions are equipped to deal with dishes not rinsed, so save water, and let your dishwasher do the work!
- Plug the sink if you have to rinse dishes and use a small amount of water in the sink instead of running the water.
- Repair any leaking taps to save unnecessary water wastage. A simple thing that can actually add more than you think to your water bill.
- Take shorter showers will help you save on water usage, as well as water heating costs. Set a timer, make it a game for the kids, or shower the length of your favourite song!
- Take showers instead of baths. This will save you water, so long as you are adhering to our previous tip!
- Run your washing machine at the recommended water level for the load you are doing. Most washing machines now provide you a guide to water level based on load size.
- Turn off the taps when at your bathroom sink. You will be amazed how much water you conserve by keeping the tap turned off while you brush your teeth, for instance.
Save Money on Electricity
- Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use. They draw energy, even when not switched on.
- Change your light globes to energy efficient LED. LED uses up to 70% less energy than traditional globes.
- Do household tasks at night where you can, and where you are on a power plan that offers cheaper off peak rates.
- Use a clothesline or a drying rack instead of running the dryer. This will also help your clothes last longer!
- Check the seals on the fridge to ensure that it is properly sealed to prevent cool air from leaking out.
- Keep the fridge door closed. Another obvious one, but keeping your fridge open for longer than it needs to be means it has to work harder to get the fridge and your food items back to optimal temperature.
- Work out your optimal fridge and freezer temperature to ensure you are not using energy over cooling.
- Cover liquids/leftovers in the fridge to ensure they are not releasing moisture inside the fridge, making your fridge work harder.
- Cool down food before placing in the fridge, so that energy isn’t wasted cooling it down inside.
- Choose appliances wisely and choose items that have a high star energy rating.
- Clean the lint trap in the dryer. While also a safety precaution, a clean lint trap allows the dryer to run without using as much energy.
- Turn off the lights when leaving a room.
- Turn your water heater down or off if you are leaving the house for an extended time to save heating water unnecessarily.
Additional ways to save money on your utility bills
- Install solar power to your home. While this can be a costly initial outlay, you will benefit in the long term.
- Check your bills for accuracy if you are at all concerned about what you have been charged.
These are just some of the things you can do to save money on your essential utilities. Try some out in your next quarterly period, and see where you can save. Even a small amount can make a difference!
For some of the bigger things, like ceiling fans and energy saving lighting options, speak to one of the lighting experts at Rovert Lighting & Electrical.