How to Save Money on Utilities

Saving money in every aspect of our lives is important.  We can use coupons for grocery and drug store purchases, go on frugal dates, or complete free activities to make our budgets stretch.  One area where coupons are not available is utilities.  We all want to find ways to save money on our utility bills.  Here are a bunch of different ways you can lower the amount you spend on utilities.

Turn off your lights when you are not in the room.

This is sounds so easy, but how often do you leave the garage light on or do your kids leave the bathroom light on.

Speaking of lights, ditch the ol’ fashion light bulbs for energy saving light bulbs.

Yes, the cost of switching seems like a lot in the beginning, but your electric bill will thank you.  Use halogen incandescent, CFL, or LED lightbulbs. For high-quality products with the greatest energy savings, choose bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR.

Turn down the heat.

Programmable Thermostat – this is a must for us!  In fact, we had a zoning system installed in our house because the upstairs was always 10-15 degrees hotter than the downstairs in the hot Atlanta summers.  With the programable thermostat we control what time we want the house to heat and cool and aren’t paying for electricity or gas when we are not home/don’t need it.  While a Nest thermostat is incredibly awesome you can save big money and spend $20’ish on a functional programable thermostat that will not break the bank.

Wash clothes in cold water

Yes, cold water gets your clothes clean too!  Using cold water saves a lot of energy since you don’t need to fill up the hot water heater time and time again.

Clean your dryer vent.

It sounds silly, but make sure your dryer vent is clear of lint, socks, fabric softener sheets, and whatever else may sneak in there.  Not only will your dryer be more efficient, but you will reduce that chance of a fire.

Wear weather appropriate clothing.

In the winter you can add socks and a sweat shirt to your wardrobe.  In the summer a tank top is great to wear indoors.  By dressing up or dressing down you will be able to save on your heating or cooling.

Turn down the water temperature.

Despite liking incredibly start water, you can turn down the water heater to 120 degrees and still stay warm in the shower without having a boiling hot water bill

Shorter showers

Take shorter showers every day.  Both your water and electricity will be saved.  Take showers instead of baths for even more savings.

Install Efficient Shower Heads

Energy and water efficient shower heads can save you 5 gallons per minute less than older models.   This adds up to savings of water/sewer and electricity used to heat the water.  Don’t worry, energy efficient shower heads have many different spray options.

Wrap your water heater

Purchase a hot water heater blanket. For less than $20, this added insulation will minimize energy spent reheating your water.

Use door draft guards

For doors that have more than a 1/4″ gap with the floor, draft guards are a frugal and practical way to keep heat from escaping.  Keeping a tight seal around doors and windows improves the energy efficiency of your home.

Here are 13 Ways to Be Green – which include even more ways to reduce the money you spend each month.

 If you love saving money, and who doesn’t, check out these deals and freebies that will save you even more!  Be sure to subscribe to Coupons Are Great so you don’t miss out on great deals, fun freebies, crafts, and more.