Ways To Lower Your Utilities Bill in All Seasons 

Heating and cooling are two of the biggest sources of carbon emission across all homes in the U.S. However, they could also become a huge drain on your wallet. If you are looking for ways to lower the utility bill throughout the year, we have a few tried and tested ways for you to consider. Some of these tips might surprise you but if you can take advantage of the incentives offered by the Federal and State government, you could upgrade the appliances and your savings will go even further. This will help your wallet and the planet. Let’s take a look at the different ways you can cut down on the utilities bill. 

Seal the doors and windows

During the colder months, the ideal way to stay warm and keep the energy bills from soaring is to ensure that the home does not leak heat. About a third of the homes in the U.S. see heat loss through doors and windows. Air can easily leak in and out of the house through gaps and cracks like baseboards, electrical outlets, or attic hatches. If you seal these openings, you will make the home warmer and keep the air inside. This advice applies to all climate-controlled homes even during the summer. Caulking leaks can save about 10 to 20 percent on the annual heating and cooling bills. This could amount to about $160 a year. Through weather-stripping, you can save an additional 5 to 10 percent each year on your heating and cooling bills. This can amount to about $80 a year. 

All air leaks might not be easy to see. When you have done everything you can, you might want to bring in a professional to conduct a thorough energy audit. This can give you a complete picture of all the hidden leaks in the home, and you could get recommendations on the right ways to seal them and save money. 

Conserve water

A household pays about $70 a month for water usage, depending on the amount of water used. However, it is possible to cut down on this amount by ensuring that the taps are off when not in use, using the wastewater for gardening, and replacing the faucet aerators from time to time. These will ensure a consistent flow of water, reducing aeration and clogged pipes. 

Use the window covering properly

You can reduce about 10 percent heat loss by closing the curtains during winter. This will keep the room warm and help save energy bills. Opening them during the day can help boost the temperatures through solar energy. But do remember to close them at night or if the room does not get adequate sun. Closing and opening the curtains at the right time can make a lot of difference. In the hottest portions of the day, it is a good idea to keep them closed. The heat gained through the windows will make a huge difference to the temperature in the home. 

Reset the thermostat

If you plan to be away from home, reset the thermostat so you do not have to pay for the cooling or heating you do not use. You can adjust the temperature when you are back home. If you turn the thermostat down when asleep in winter, you will spend less. By lowering the thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees in the night, you will save about 10 percent on energy bills. You can also program the system based on when you return home and when you are away. While a thermostat is an investment, it can end up paying for itself and save you about $180 annually in energy costs. 

Clean and replace the filters 

You can save money by the basic maintenance of the heating and cooling systems in your home. You need to ensure that the filters inside the air conditioner and the furnace are clean. This will ensure that no equipment is working harder than it should be. You will also notice that some filters should be cleaned if you want to reuse them, while the others may need a complete replacement. Hence, check the maintenance guidelines of the model you use and then decide. You might want to call a professional to understand your system and advice on the right ways to maintain it. 

Use all the devices efficiently 

If you are always using technology, you will end up paying high utility bills. Try to use your devices in the energy saver mode and it will help cut down on the bills without sacrificing the performance. Most devices come with a power saver mode or have management features that can help you save up to $30 annually. Shut down if you are not using any devices. It will reduce electricity wastage from idle devices. 

Taking these small and simple steps in your daily life can make a significant difference to the amount you pay for utilities each year. While you may not see a huge drop in energy bills, you will be able to notice the difference over a few years.