You Can Save Money on Utilities – How to Do It
People spend a lot of money throughout the year and in most cases, they only take note only on the major purchases. You can automatically remember the cost of that TV that you bought midyear, or the facelift that you gave your kitchen.
However, when it comes to the expenses that you incur on a monthly basis namely water, gas and electricity bills, you can’t give an outright answer. The expenses add up and you may even be surprised to learn that they double the major purchases that you always remember.
For that reason, its therefore prudent to understand the amount you spend on your utilities. That will help you to manage those expenditures and minimise their resulting high cost. Here are some of the ways that can use to mitigate those costs.
Installation of Irrigation Meter
This meter helps you to determine and prove that the water you have used doesn’t all go to circulation. Water that comes out of your faucets ends up in the drain, and the water company usually charges for its disposal.
When it goes down the drain its then taken through the filtration process so that it can be re-used. Homeowners pay for that filtration through the water bills.
To avoid paying hefty bills, you will hence need to separate the water that ends up in the drain and the one that doesn’t.
The irrigation meter will be a perfect solution for this because when the company agents come to read their meter you will be able prove your point and show them the amount that has gone in the drain, which will then be charged.
You can therefore use the water for your lawn, pool and garden without the worry of incurring hefty water bills.
Embrace Solar Energy Solutions
Switching to solar power to use Solar Panel Systems will offer you more benefits than you can imagine. The initial installation may be a bit pricey and that can be a put-off to some people.
You will however recoup the losses later on when you will be enjoying the power without spending any money. In this you will be killing two birds with one stone because you will be saving the environment too in addition to the reduction or elimination of power bills.
Test the Temperature of Your Water Heater
The maximum temperature that you should set your hot water heater to is 120°F. Its common knowledge that you will scald your skin with water that has a higher temperature than that. You may also kill your heater faster if you set it higher than that, because you will reduce its lifespan.
Setting the heater at that temperature will save you a significant amount of money annually, and you will also avoid regular repairs that also cost you money.
Seal Your House
You can’t dare to leave your door open over the winter because you understand that loss of heat is an increase in heating bills. What you may not note are the cracks on the walls and spaces on the windows that will lead you to the same high bills.
You therefore should check for cracks on doors and window frames that can allow air into the house. Fill them perfectly and concentrate on other areas like where plumb lines connect into the house. That act will make a great difference on your wallet as well as your comfort in the house.
Energy Star Products Are a Great Solution
These products come in all sizes, from lightbulbs to TVs and large appliances too. They are designed to save the user money because they require very low power to operate. They are also environmental friendly and are the recommended appliances in these modern days.
They are expensive products but will save you more money in terms of power consumption over a long period of time.
Routine Sweeps Are Helpful
There are times when we leave electronics connected to power sources turned on, when they aren’t in use. By checking through your house for such equipment you will save yourself a lot of money.
Pay attention to switches and appliances with LED lights that stay on even when they aren’t in use. Those lights are on because they are using power. They might appear as having no effect but in the long run they will add up to notable bills.
The routine checks shouldn’t be limited to electronics only. You need to check dripping faucets that will also lead you to paying money that you could have saved. You also should check windows and doors that may have been left partly open, leading to loss of heat.
The above and many other ways of saving money will help you a lot. Many people end up losing money they could have saved through these bills. It’s only that they pay them in small monthly bills and so they don’t seem to be a lot.
Category: Save Energy
