Every year, the average U.S. Family spends over $2,000 on utility bills. It’s understandable that you want to cut back and enjoy some extra savings. The best part about saving money on your utilities is that you’ll make some environmentally-friendly choices that let you live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Read on to discover four easy ways you can save money on your energy and water bills.
Take Showers Closer Together
You should limit personal showers to under 10 minutes, and it’s best if family members shower consecutively. When you do this, it will take a shorter amount of time for water to heat up, which saves you money.
Dry Your Clothes Outdoors
If you have seasonal allergies, you may want to consider an indoor clothesline instead, but hang-drying your clothes is an excellent way to cut back on heat and power. Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to your washing machine on its final cycle to prevent your clothes and towels from getting crinkly while they air dry.
Upgrade to Eco-Friendly Appliances
You can upgrade many of your home’s most greedy appliances for eco-friendly counterparts. A water-efficient showerhead, for example, uses less water per wash. ENERGY STAR appliances use up to 25-percent less energy on average and can save you up to $500 a year. A heat pump hot water system uses heat from the air to heat your water, cutting down on the energy consumption of a standard hot water system. If you do a little research, energy efficient options are available.
Install Thermal Curtains and Blackout Shades
Thermal curtains and blackout shades reduce heat loss, meaning your house stays hotter for longer in the winter and cooler in the summer. You should always avoid direct sunlight in your home during the day, as this can raise the internal temperature by several degrees and force you to run your A/C for longer than you have to.
The U.S. Department of Energy also suggests you set your thermostat to 7 or 10 degrees higher when you’re away from home. Doing so can save you up to 10 percent on cooling costs.
Learning how to save money on utilities is a great lesson in conscious living. With a sustainable mindset, you prioritize your time and money over convenience, which can lead to greater savings and more fulfillment. Reducing your home’s energy consumption is increasingly difficult in our modern world, but with enough commitment and finesse, you’ll find that it’s not just great for your bank account to live eco-friendly—it’s personally rewarding, too.