C.J. Braden • 3 Minute Read
How to Cut Spending on Utilities and Maintenance
Saving money on utilities and maintenance is essential to any household, whether your goal is to pay off debt or simply make ends meet. In this article, we'll look at some simple strategies to cut your spending on these essential expenses - from energy-saving techniques like lowering the thermostat or switching off lights when not needed to more inventive solutions that can save even more. As well as exploring why regular maintenance helps save money in the long run.
Adjusting your thermostat can be helpful
1) Adjust Your Thermostat
Lowering your thermostat is one of the best ways to decrease energy use and save money on utilities. Keeping it a few degrees lower during winter and higher during summer may save up to 10% in heating/cooling costs alone! For optimal results, set your thermostat between 68 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and 78 degrees Fahrenheit in summer.
Additionally, switching off the AC when no one is home and using ceiling fans instead of AC can reduce energy bills significantly. Also, consider regularly maintaining your HVAC system - one that is poorly maintained can consume up to 50 percent more energy than one that is maintained properly.
Windows and flowers on ledge
2) Reduce Air Conditioning Costs
One way to cut back on air conditioning costs is to utilize natural ventilation whenever possible. At cooler times of day, opening windows and doors can help your air conditioning unit run less frequently. Closing blinds and curtains during peak hours is also useful in creating more comfort in your home without overworking your AC while decreasing direct sunlight entering that may add extra heat into your home.
The use of a programmable thermostat allows you to set your desired temperature ahead of time, and only run it when required. Furthermore, upgrading to an energy-efficient AC model can significantly decrease energy costs while keeping your home comfortable and cool at the same time.
Try our caulking method, which can also help seal any cracks in your home that may be leaking air. Check it out below or via our YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:
3) Maintain your Appliances
Routine maintenance of appliances is another great way to save costs and utilities. For example, regularly cleaning the filters on your fridge, dryer, and dishwasher can help them run more efficiently while using less energy. Furthermore, replacing older models with energy-saving models (e.g. washing maching repair and installation can lower utility bills by 25%!) could help reduce utility bills even further; lights must also be checked regularly so as not to draw too much power from their energy source.
Energy efficient lightbulbs can help save money over time
4) Switch to Energy-Efficient Lightbulbs
Switching from incandescent bulbs to energy-saving lightbulbs such as compact fluorescent or LEDs is another great way to save on utilities. Switching to more energy-efficient light bulbs such as CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) or LEDs could decrease lighting bills by up to 75% while lasting 25 times longer than their traditional counterparts.
Modern kitchen faucets can help you save on water usage
5) Install Water-saving devices
Installing water-saving devices such as low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators can also help lower utility costs. It can save up to 50 percent off your water bills while still offering you comfort and cleanliness. Also, consider replacing older toilet models that use up to 6 gallons per flush with ones manufactured after 1994 that use only 1.6 or less. You may even consider installing a water tank, outside your home in which you can catch up rainwater, which will make a huge impact on your water usage account.
Unplugging certain electronics can also reduce fire risks
6) Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
One easy way to cut utility costs is to unplug electronics that are no longer being used. Even when turned off, many gadgets and appliances still draw energy and should therefore be unplugged completely when unused.
Power strips may help save even more by being used with multiple electronics plugged into one strip before turning it off when finished; further cutting costs on utility bills. Most people forget that switching off your electronics when not in use, will add a great savings to your utility bill, and also has a safety measure by switching it off when not in use.
There are a number of ways to save money on utilities and maintenance, from basic energy-saving techniques like lowering the thermostat to more creative solutions. Regularly maintaining your appliances, and HVAC system and replacing older models with newer energy-efficient models can also help you significantly reduce your energy bills over time.
Finally, reducing air conditioning costs by using natural ventilation when possible and setting your thermostat in advance can further help lower your utility costs. With these tips, you should be able to make significant savings without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
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C.J. (Carolyn) Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions and ideas expressed in this post, however, are based on my personal point of view.