When you are trying to cut costs, you may be willing to try anything. While curbing your purchasing may help, there are more practical options you can take care of while in your own home. Cutting down on energy usage may help your monthly expenses drop markedly, giving you a little bit of extra breathing room for each paycheck.
5 Ways to Reduce Your Utility Bills
Use less oil heat
It can be tempting to come home in the winter, turn the heat up to 80 and walk around in shorts like it is July. While this feels good, it can be very destructive to your wallet. Heating oil is very expensive, and getting oil in the winter can be really difficult when trying to keep up on other expenses. If you live in an area that gets cold, be prepared to use the oil heat during the coldest days, as it will prevent a pipe freeze. Meanwhile, it could be better to buy a few space heaters.
Keep the lights off
This may be one of the most underrated ways to save on energy, but keeping lights off in rooms that you aren’t in can take a lot of pressure off of your electric bill. When switching rooms, try to remember to switch lights off.
Avoid air conditioning
While it may get hot in the summer, try to keep air conditioning use to a minimum. Instead, save it for the hottest days, while using small fans and leaving windows open on other days.
Make sure doors/windows are sealed
Whether it is the summer, winter or somewhere in between, you may want to make sure you get your doors and windows properly insulated. This isn’t typically expensive, and can make sure that air isn’t coming in and leaving your home freely. This will keep the temperature manageable most of the year.
Keep attics insulated
While you may not think about it much, a large amount of air leaves through your roof. Having an attic that is well-insulated will keep costs low, and it may be a great way to keep the temperature manageable around the home.
