How to Save Huge on Utility Bills

One of people's largest monthly expenses these days is their utility bill. In my city, which is located in the lower mid-south, it is not uncommon for people to have to pay aver $500 each month for all their utility usage. That includes sewer, water, electricity and gas, plus all the obscene fees and taxes added on by our municipal government. And this is for homes of around 1500 sq. ft. too, not mansions. I decided that I wasn't going to tolerate this anymore and did some things to eventually cut my bill in about half. Many of them yield instant results. Some take longer and cost some serious dollars, but they all are worth considering. I'll start with the quick and rather easy things first.

Every home, especially those older ones, has leaks that aren't really noticeable until you look for them but they can really make a furnace run longer than it has to. Take some time to feel around windows and doors, beside pipe outlets and especially around electrical outlets. There's probably a draft in all these areas. It only takes some caulk and a little time to seal those leaks and it will make a world of difference.
If there are some doors that have air coming in under them that's easily fixed. Just purchase one of those fabric snakes filled with beads and lay it at the doorframe when you're inside the house. When going to work leave these at all the doors except the main one that you exit from. Later, in the summer, either put in some weather stripping or have a handyman do it for you.

Next, purchase an insulated cover for the hot water heater and put it on yourself. It's really not hard and won't cost but around $25 or $30. If you have a fireplace that is not being used, by all means close the damper. It's really incredible how much heat can be lost up a chimney in the winter. If you have south facing windows, keep the curtains wide open to let as much sunshine in as possible. Instruct the whole family to immediately close doors when going out or in and to keep traffic to a minimum.

Wash, cook and bathe more efficiently. That means washing large loads and cooking in large batches and freezing prepared meatloaf, soups, stews and casseroles for heating up for dinner in a microwave. Yes, it's great to fill up a steaming tub to soak in, but those long soaks in a steamy, hot bath can add up, especially in a large family. Let everyone know not to do this. Bathe with less water and get out. When inside, don't dress like you do in the summer! Put on clothes in layers and definitely wear sweaters indoors. Americans are spoiled by all the abundant energy that we used to take for granted, but putting on layers and sweaters doesn't cost anything and it really makes living in a cooler home much more comfortable.

Last, turn the thermostat down and keep it down at around 60. This will make all the difference in the world because every degree that heat is reduced means about a 2% or 3% saving on the heating bill. If you usually keep the thermostat at around 68, turning it down to 60 means a reduction on your bill of 16%-24%. If an ordinary bill is $300, you could lower it to around $228 and save $72 a month. Now that's substantial.

Now for more long-term fixes, there are a lot of choices and they will all take some substantial up-front money. Seriously insulate underneath the house and in the attic if needs be. Most utility companies can do a free energy assessment for homeowners to ascertain if their insulation could use an upgrade. If yours doesn't, feel lucky. Consider purchasing a wood stove with side blowers. Purchase some well-insulated storm doors and windows if needed. Replace a hot water heater with a more energy efficient model. Purchase an energy-efficient room heater like the Eden Pure Quartz Heater. They claim that it can cut energy use down by as much as 35%-50%. I found a site that will sell one with a three-year warranty for just $397 with free shipping! And it will heat up to 1,000 sq. ft. without burning pets, children or furniture.
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