Utility bills are typically the biggest expense we have after taxes, rent/mortgage and food. And after you’ve paid those, it is easy to struggle to save water, power and fuel so you can afford to pay next month’s bills. Don’t be left in the dark because you can’t afford to light and heat your home. Here’s how to save on your electricity bills.
Shop Around
You can save 10 percent or more simply by shopping for electricity providers. You will probably find a cheaper deal on electricity, gas or both from someone else. You could save money on bundled services like electricity and gas from the same supplier. Or you might receive extras that you’d otherwise have to pay out of pocket for like a smart thermostat, home energy audit or rebates on more energy efficient appliances. On the other hand, you could save money by telling the current utility provider you found a better deal elsewhere. Just ask them to match it, and you’ll save money.
Go Off the Grid
Ideally, you could go off the grid by installing solar panels or a wind turbine on your property. Combine this with batteries, and you don’t need to pay money to the electric company. However, that’s not always an option. You could still install renewable energy projects on the property and lower your energy bill. A wind powered water pump provides water for livestock without having to rely on diesel or electricity to power a pump. Put small turbines in the backyard or on the roof, and you might defray your electric bill. A more popular option is solar panels, since they can sit on the roof and generate power most days of the year. You might even be able to get money from the utility company for any excess power they produce. You have to have it wired up a certain way to do this. Depending on where you live, you could opt for a hydroelectric power source. Harnessing the flow of a nearby creek could reduce your energy bill. Note that your ability to do this will depend on local building codes. Conversely, most local governments are offering incentives to put solar panels on your roof.
Turn It Off
Turn off energy hogs when they aren’t in use. Turn off lights when you aren’t in a room. If this is a hassle, install sensors that turn lights on when you enter a room and turn it off after a period of inactivity. Turn off the TV when you aren’t watching it. Turn off gaming consoles and computers unless they’re installing software updates. While you can’t turn off the hot water heater, consider turning the temperature down so it doesn’t draw as much power.
Drive Less
Find ways to drive less, and you won’t have to spend so much on gasoline. If you dramatically cut back on your driving, you might be able to lower your auto insurance bill, as well. Just know that you need to inform the insurer of this unless they’re automatically tracking your driving habits via a plug-in device under the hood or connected to the steering column. If you drive less, you’ll also extend the life of your vehicle.
Insulate
Add insulation to the roof of your home, put insulation in the walls or even upgrade to more energy efficient windows. You’ll reduce heat loss from your home and your energy bills. There is a fair chance you’ll get rebates from the utility company or the local government for doing so, though this won’t cover the whole cost of adding insulation. Note that you can take little steps, too, that aren’t a whole house renovation. For example, you can put up insulated drapes, draft stoppers and rugs to help insulate your home. And throw an extra blanket on the bed before you turn up the heat. While you’re at it, insulate your hot water heater so that more energy goes into heating water and less into heating the water closet.
Monitor Petrol Price Cycles
Petrol price cycles refer to the rise and fall of gasoline prices. These prices are due to the delivery schedules of fuel and the schedules at the refineries themselves. Fill up the car when prices are at their lowest. This is a great time to stock up on gasoline for the lawn mower and generator, too.
