How to Save Money on Home Utilities

Home utilities such as electricity, gas and water, may not cost a large amount in any particular month. Over the course of a year, however, the money that you spend on home utilities can add up to a significant amount. Whether it is a summer or winter month, you can take steps to save money on your home utilities, letting you spend the money elsewhere or increase your total savings.

Instructions

1. Set your thermostat to conserve energy. By setting your heat to come on at a slightly lower temperature, or your air conditioning to come on at a slightly higher temperature, you can reduce the number of hours that you will need either gas or electricity to adjust the climate in your home in any given month. The energy that you save will directly translate to financial savings.

2. Take advantage of daylight hours to heat your home at no cost. To conserve the heat during evening hours or to block out the heat, keep your shades closed.

3. Use less water throughout the day. You can reduce the amount of water that you use by taking steps such as shortening your showers and turning off the water while you brush your teeth. You can also reduce the amount of water that you use by fixing any leaks in your home, no matter how small they may seem initially.

4. Wash your clothes and dishes during off peak hours. During off peak hours, electricity is less expensive. You can also save money by air drying your clothes or dishes.

5. Turn off electric appliances when they are not in use. Running your computer or leaving your television turned on can not only increase your electric bill directly, but can also generate additional heat in your home.

6. Switch to energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs. These light bulbs consume less electricity while you are using them, letting you save money on your home utilities. They also last significantly longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs and generate less heat.

Tips & Warnings

• By using fans to cool your home, you can reduce the costs of controlling your climate even more. Even setting the fan to its lowest setting will make you more comfortable.

• Check with your utility company to learn which hours are considered peak in your area.

• By plugging electric appliances that you use simultaneously into the same power surge or power strip, you can turn all of them off at the same time.