Simple tips for cutting back on your utility bills
Last Modified 16th of February 2021
Utility costs seem to be constantly on the rise and so is the amount of energy that a typical family uses due to the amount of tech we all use today.
It’s true that appliances and electronics take energy to run, but you can control how much energy you spend and, in doing so, reduce the costs of your utility bills and even protect the environment. It all starts with identifying what your utilities are.
For example, you’re most probably using:
• Water
• Gas
• Electricity
Those are the common utilities for an average house. However, more and more houses are switching to green living options. For example, many houses now utilise solar power. Some even use wind power or water power (hydroelectric power). Those methods are not only more energy efficient and cheaper, but also safer for the environment.
How you use your energy
You also have to examine the many ways that you use energy within your home, such as:
• Heating
• Cooling
• Cooking
• Showering, bathing and other water usage
• Running electronic devices
Heating and cooling
When it comes to heating and cooling, many people waste money and energy unnecessarily. There are some simple things that you can do to avoid being one of them. They are:
• Use your blinds and curtains to keep your house warmer in winter and cooler in summer
• Use a Smart Meter, if your energy supplier offers one, to keep track of the temperature of your home
• Keep radiators off in the rooms you’re not using (such as a spare room)
Cooking and appliances
As far as cooking and appliances go, you can save a lot of energy there too. Whether you are using gas or electricity, the story is the same. Always use appropriate appliances for the job at hand. For example, you’d be surprised at what microwaves can handle. Using them can keep you from wasting energy and heating up your home unnecessarily with a large oven.
It’s also important that your appliances are updated and energy-efficient. Most new appliances now come with an efficiency rating, which can help you to limit energy consumption in your home. If you can, get rid of older appliances as they can really use up so much energy.
Unplug it
Finally, keep one simple thing in mind. Unplug unused appliances and tech. Some examples include:
- TV
- Computer
- Coffee machine
- Microwave
- Games consoles
One thing that many people don’t realise is that energy is still used when appliances are plugged in, even if they are off. Try getting outlets or cords that light up when in use. Those can remind you to be energy-efficient.
Author Bio
This guest article was written by Matt Carter, who is writer and publisher on a variety of different sites related to energy efficiency and solar power.
