It’s really not all that hard when it comes to general saving money rules. I mean, you don’t want to spend more money per month than what you take in. Also, you don’t want to spend money that really doesn’t need to be spent. I mean, do you really need a Starbucks coffee today? Do you really need to eat out two, three or maybe even four times per week?
Even though it’s not exactly hard to step back and take a look at our nonessential spending habits, you should also take a step back and look at the stuff that we actually do need. All of us, unless you’re willing to live in the wild, need to spend our money on utilities, water, electricity, etc… Even though we may need these things, you can still save some serious cash and I’m going to give you some tips that will help you save money on your utilities.
#1. Adjust the Thermostat
If you want to get some fairly significant savings on your bill, you should consider adjusting your thermostat. Chances are, in the winter, you could turn your thermostat down a couple degrees and not even notice a difference, but you certainly will on your utility bill. Also, be very mindful of the thermostat in the summer, as well. I mean, do you really need your house to be 68 degrees in the summer? Chances are, even at 75 degrees, it’s going to be cooler inside versus outside.
#2. Turn off Lights When You’re Not Using Them
This is something that a ton of people are guilty of. I have to admit that I could even be more mindful of leaving lights on when I shouldn’t. Develop the healthy habit of turning lights off whenever leaving the room or whenever they’re not really needed.
#3. Turn off Ceiling Fans When You Don’t Need Them
A lot of people will leave ceiling fans on constantly, even when they’re not in the same room as the fan itself. Did you know that leaving a ceiling fan on without turning it off for a whole month can add as much as $7 to your power bill?
#4. Skip Pre-Rinsing
You know that option you have for pre-rinsing on your dishwasher? Well, with newer dishwashers, you don’t even need to do this step, because they’re so efficient at what they do. Therefore, skip the whole pre-rinse step altogether. Doing this can save you as much as $70 on a yearly basis.
#5. Clean Your Dryer’s Lint Trap
It doesn’t take long before this thing is absolutely caked with lint. Always clean the lint trap before running the dryer. That way, your dryer will run more efficiently.
#6. Clean Your Air Filter
Always keep your air filters clean or simply replace them. That way, you’ll save a lot of energy when it comes to heating and cooling your home.
#7. Shut Off the Water
It’s amazing how many people leave the faucet running the whole time they brush their teeth. Keep the water off when you’re not actively using it.
#8. Use a Winterization Kit
It’s really easy for drafts of cold air to come in around your windows, doors, etc… In the winter time, you may want to consider using a winterization kit to properly seal your windows, so none of your warm air escapes. Just a cheap winterization kit could save you a ton of money during the winter months.
#9. Get Rid of the Landline
If you have a cell phone, you should simply cut out your landline home phone service. This will save you money and AT&T just released some of their cheapest plans ever for mobile phone users.
#10. Properly Insulate Your Home
Having a properly insulated home can make for a huge different on your electric bill. If you have poor or no insulation, your home will be colder in the winter time than it should be and it will be hotter in the summer time than it should be. This could result in you spending hundreds of extra dollars per year. Therefore, investing in some insulation for your home would be a great way to save some money in the long run.
