Cost Cutting

Cutting Your Utility Costs

High prices across the board are tightening many people's budgets. Many monthly bills just cannot be brought down or altered, so more and more of us are looking for ways to cut costs where we can. Some of the ways to cut your utility costs are nearly painless and once they are habit or implemented, may not effect your daily life at all. Others may take some work, time or sacrifice, but can make a big difference when your gas, electric and water bills come each month.

There are a few basic things anyone can do, at no cost at all, to keep utility costs lower. These basic conservation moves are likely the same ones your parents used to cut their bills. Turn lights off when you are not using them, set the thermostat a bit closer to the outside temperature, and take shorter showers. Modern technology has added to our electric usage. If you have cell phone, PDA, or laptop chargers consistently plugged in, unplug them or plug all of them into a power strip to turn on as needed. These steps are not so hard to put into place in your home and can make a significant difference, especially if you are consistent.

If you have a bit to invest, cutting your heating and cooling costs can make a substantial difference in your bills. You might install a programmable thermostat. This is an easy do it yourself project, and the thermostats are available at any home center. Program your thermostat to drop or raise the temperature in your home as appropriate when you are away and at night. This simple change can make a big difference in your electric or gas bill.  You should also take a good look at your home and work to improve your weather stripping. Energy efficient light bulbs, low flow shower heads and other smart changes to your home can help you save and conserve. In some communities, your local utility company may even offer financial assistance with cost cutting and energy saving steps like these.

Some other changes to your home routines that can make a big difference in your bills include living more seasonally. In the summer, avoid using your clothes dryer. A clothesline in the backyard will work for much of the year in many climates and can make for a big savings. Consider grilling more often and heating the house with the stove less often in the summer. Do the reverse in the winter and prepare slow cooked food taking advantage of the ambient heat offered by a warm kitchen. If you are doing landscaping around your home, consider choosing native plants that will require limited watering to reduce your water bills.

Wide ranging changes that can reduce your utility costs include improved and upgraded windows in your home, adding additional insulation, and incorporating rainwater collection for lawn watering and garden needs. These changes can be more costly, but may allow you to reduce both your utility bills and your impact on the environment.