Utility bills are often much higher than they should be. By making some simple changes, you can keep your house comfortable and significantly reduce your monthly energy bills.

Lower Heating Costs
Heating and cooling are responsible for a large chunk of utility bills. In the winter, you can save money by lowering the temperature on your thermostat. Even a change of two or three degrees can result in substantial savings over the course of a year. You can install a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when the house is unoccupied and raise it to the temperature your family prefers shortly before everyone gets home.

If your house has windows that face south, opening the blinds or curtains during the day can allow sunlight to naturally heat your home so that you can rely less on your heating system.

Drafts make the heating system work harder and raise utility bills. You can inexpensively seal the areas around windows and block the spaces under doors to keep cold air out. If your windows are old and inefficient, replacing them can consistently save you money over many years.

Change the Way You Use Appliances
LED lightbulbs are much more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs. You will need to pay more up front, but LED bulbs can last years longer than conventional bulbs and cost less to operate. This can result in significant savings over time.

Heating water can contribute to high utility bills, especially if you have a large family. Installing a showerhead that conserves hot water and lowering the temperature on your water heater can easily save you money.

Ask Your Utility Company for Guidance
Utility companies offer a variety of tips and programs to help homeowners lower their energy bills. You may find advice on how to make your home more energy efficient, how to lower your energy usage without interfering with your lifestyle, and how to choose energy-efficient appliances.

Some utility companies also offer free or low-cost energy audits to help homeowners identify where they are losing or wasting energy so that they can make changes and save money. Participating in these programs and investing in energy-efficient appliances may make you eligible for further savings through rebates.

Your utility company might charge more for energy during peak hours than during times when demand is lower. Find out if your utility company charges more at specific times and look for ways to reduce your family’s energy consumption during peak hours.

The company might allow you to receive energy from another provider that offers a lower rate. You would still receive the same service you currently do, but your energy would come from a different source, allowing you yo save money each month without making any other significant changes.

Try a Variety of Solutions
If you dread opening your utility bill each month, take action to save money. With some strategic changes, you can lower your costs while keeping your home comfortable and relaxing.

Published with permission from RISMedia.