Saving on utiliites isn’t has hard as it may seem. Some options may require a little larger initial outlay of money (ie energy efficient light bulbs), but over time can save you big!
Tips to Save Money on Your Utilities!
Phones
1. Get rid of the extra stuff like call waiting and caller ID. If you worry about telemarketers, spend a one time $40 for one of those machines that will answer computer generated calls and take your name off the list or sign up for the Do Not Call list. Both of those will save you money on caller ID in the long run.
2. Consider getting an answering machine instead of paying for voice mail. Again, over time the answering machine will be less expensive.
3. Do you pay local toll? Those are charges made to calling areas that aren’t long distance but your company still charges you to call them. If you pay more than $20 in local toll, you may be able to add the city you are calling a lot to your phone area. The service is called “Extended Area Calling” and for $15 a month will add that city to your calling area so you don’t have to pay local toll charges. This will help especially if you your internet access number is a local toll area.
4. Do you have a choice of local phone carriers? Compare prices and contact them to let them know you are shopping around. Many have a great deal.
5. Watch out for bundled services. Many companies will put all sorts of call features and internet access together for a price cheaper than if you ordered them separately. But if you don’t need the features, you are paying more than you need to. Only bundle features that you REALLY need such as phone service and internet access.
6. Don’t use directory service if you can avoid it. Many are charging now.
7. Don’t use an operator if you can avoid it. Many charge now.
8. Don’t use * functions (i.e. *69 to find out who called) unless necessary. Most cost 50 cent or more per use.
9. If you are disconnected or have a bad connection, contact your phone company for refund.
10. Avoid using coin phones. If you do use a coin phone and lose your money, notify the phone company managing the phone for a refund.
11. Many people have started using cell phones to replace their home phones. Again, really check the pricing. Generally, local phone service is unlimited in local calling and the battery doesn’t run dead (unless you have a cordless). Price and compare before giving up your land line service for a cellular service.
Television Cable
1. Take some time to figure out what channels you really view and how often. You may have more cable than you need. Consider downgrading to a basic package.
2. If you don’t watch more than 3 three premier movies per month, it will be cheaper to not have the movie channels.
3. Satellite is generally cheaper BUT local channels may not be available yet in your area and reception can be a problem for some. When I lived in an area with Satellite I paid $45 per month. I now live in an area in which satellite reception isn’t good so I have cable. For the same package (all the same channels) I know pay $64 per month. If I could, I’d get satellite! Check your Moms At Home Success for a free satellite system that includes 3 months free service.
4. If you choose cable, save money by selecting things to watch on television instead of renting videos.
Energy Costs
1. Turn off lights and other “on” (television, radio) items when you are not in a room.
2. Use energy efficient light bulbs. Long life bulbs are not necessarily more efficient. Keep them clean and free of dust.
3. Only open windows and doors if you are using the outdoors to cool or heat the home. Otherwise, keep everything shut.
4. Use energy that is cheapest in your area. If you have natural gas, look into that as it can save you on heating in particular.
5. Insulate your water heater. Do the same for exposed pipes.
6. Keep you r hot water heater at 110 to 120 degrees.
7. Wash clothes in cold water.
8. In nice weather, hang clothes to dry on a line.
9. Turn off your dishwasher during the dry cycle and let them dry naturally.
10. Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full.
11. Try to keep your air conditioner in the shade.
12. Keep appliances in top shape. Have your heating and air units checked twice a year. Keep coils on refrigerator and freezers clean. Seals should be airtight.
13. Keep your freezer full, it uses less energy.
14. Side-by-side refrigerators use more energy than those with the freezer on top.
15. Replace air filters every 30 days.
16. Keep your fireplace damper closed unless in use.
17. Weather strip your doors and windows.
18. Insulate your attic and exterior walls.
19. Use storm or double pane windows in areas with cold temperatures. Install storm doors before winter arrives.
20. Keep exterior doors, windows, and the roof free from cracks or other openings that leak heat or cool air.
21. Wear warm clothes while inside during the winter. Keep your thermostat low about 68 degrees. In summer, turn up to about 78 degrees.
22. Use extra blankets or even electric blankets during the winter. Its less expensive than turning the heat up.
23. Don’t open the oven during the cook period because you lose 20-50% of the heat each time the oven door is opened.
24. Buy appliances with good energy efficiency ratings.
25. Use burners that fit the bottom of the pot or pan. Too big of burner with a small pot wastes energy.
26. Cook double or triple amount of meals and freeze the extra. This save energy particularly if you use the microwave to reheat. Microwaves save time and therefore energy (Note: studies show that microwaving food in plastic may produce toxins. Microwave in glass cookware.)
27. Turn the oven off 5 minutes before the cooking time is done.
28. Study your utility bill. Errors can occur.
29. Contact your utility company for other ideas on how to save on electricity or gas.
Water Savings
1. Make sure you have low flow toilets. Don’t use too much toilet paper and never flush anything but toilet paper down the toilet.
2. Install low flow shower heads.
3. Check faucets and pipes for leaks and drips.
4. If taking a bath, don’t fill the tub. Use tub water to water plants.
5. Don’t let the water run while brushing teeth or washing dishes.
6. Keep your grass longer as it requires less watering.
7. Plant only native vegetation in your yard as it will better survive in the natural temperature and weather of your area.
