Utility bills are costly and so is gas, especially at this specific moment in time. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program, the typical U.S. household spends around $2,000 on energy bills alone. Finding ways to reduce the cost of utility bills, such as water and electricity, and gas for your car can help you save lots of money each month.
Below are some tips on reducing consumption and spending less money.
Switch to Low-Flow Shower Heads
Water-saving shower heads reduce the water used in each shower without compromising your shower experience. Reducing the flow to 2 gallons per minute can save you plenty of money while still giving you enough water pressure to shower. Additionally, take shorter showers. For example, cutting back from 5 or 10 minutes to a few minutes can save hundreds of gallons of water every month, leading to significant savings on your bill.
Unplug the Kitchen Sink
Many modern dishwashers are energy efficient and can quickly wash a full load without much water consumption. Hence it is important to save water, mainly because of the severe water scarcity problem worldwide. However, if you don’t have a modern dishwasher, unplugging the kitchen sink when you’re not actively washing dishes can also help reduce how much water you use each month.
Check for Leaks
Leaky pipes can waste thousands of gallons of water each month, so checking your pipes regularly for any signs of leaks is essential. If you notice any pooled water, dripping faucets, or other signs of leaking pipes in your home, call a plumber as soon as possible to repair the damage and prevent further waste.
How to Save Money on the Electricity Bill
Add Insulation
By keeping heat from escaping through the walls and ceilings, insulation helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while reducing the energy needed to heat or cool the home. In addition, insulation can also help to mitigate noise pollution by absorbing sound waves.
Use Energy Saving Light Fixtures
Traditional incandescent bulbs are inefficient, converting only about 5% of their energy into visible light. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are much more efficient, using about 75% less energy than incandescent and lasting up to 25 times longer.
Use Smart Thermostats
By automatically adjusting the temperature in your home based on your schedule and the weather, smart thermostats can help you use less energy and lower your bill. In addition, many smart thermostats come with features that allow you to track your energy usage and set goals for reducing your consumption.
How to Save Money on Gas Expenses
Reduce the Number of Car Trips
Combine errands into one trip to reduce the number of car trips you must take. Therefore, it is important to plan your errands before and be aware of the best route to use before you leave. Additionally, turn off your engine if you are going to be stopped for more than a minute to save on gas.
Ensure Your Tires Are Properly Inflated
When tires are low on air, they create more drag on the road, which means your car has to work harder to get where you’re going. As a result, you’ll end up using more gas than necessary. In addition, properly inflated tires will last longer and help your car to run more efficiently.
Get Rid of Excess Weight in Your Car
An extra 100 pounds in your trunk can reduce your gas mileage by up to 2% because the car has to work harder to move the excess weight. The engine uses more fuel to accelerate and maintain speed. In addition, the increased weight also increases tire wear, which can lead to higher fuel costs. Therefore, removing unnecessary items from the trunk and back seat is necessary. Additionally, consider investing in lighter-weight materials for your car.
The above tips are a good starting place if you want to save money on your household utility bills. However, there are some more tips; what other tips and advice do you know on how to limit consumption and save money on the bills?