11 tips that can help you save on utility bills

Having access to utilities is so important in our day-to-day lives, but paying for them can be a potential stressor. More than 34% of Americans have cut back or skipped other necessary expenses at least once to afford their utility bills.^{Divulgación 1}

The bright side? There are steps we can take that may give us more control over the cost of our utilities. Some of them may even be good for the environment, to boot.

It could be worth it—especially if you’re working, schooling, or entertaining a lot from home—to try these tips that may help you save on utilities.

1. Replace old light bulbs and upgrade plugs.

If you have "old-school" incandescent light bulbs in your home, replacing them with modern LED bulbs can be a cost-efficient energy upgrade. Not only do they use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs, they also last much longer^{Divulgación 2}  —so it can help you save on both energy costs and replacement costs.

You can get even more modern by using smart bulbs or smart plugs that can be controlled remotely by an app or a voice-activated smart speaker when they’re connected to Wi-Fi. These smart accessories may also allow you to schedule when to turn certain appliances on and off—helping you to save energy without even thinking about it.

2. Use your large appliances wisely.

You might be surprised by how much energy a clothes dryer can consume. If you have the time and space, consider hang drying your clothes. When you do use your clothes dryer, using the lowest heat setting may help reduce its energy use. As an added bonus, hang drying or drying on low heat can also help your clothes last longer.

Your water heater is another appliance that can take up a lot of energy. You may be able to cut down on the amount of time you use it by washing clothes in cold water, taking shorter or cooler showers, and using your dishwasher instead of hand washing. Dishwashers-even older models-are typically more energy- and water-efficient than hand washing.

When it comes to your heating and cooling system, try to resist the urge to crank the thermostat in either direction. The closer your indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the less your heating or air conditioning will cost you by the end of the month.^{Divulgación 3} (More on this in the next tip.)

3. Set your thermostat to the most cost-effective temperature.

La calefacción y refrigeración por igual conforman la mayor parte de su factura de servicios. The Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10% a year by turning back your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day.^{Divulgación 4} Keeping the temperature just a few degrees lower in colder months and a few degrees higher in hotter months could add up to your year-round utility savings.^{Divulgación 5}

If you don’t already have a smart or programmable thermostat—or simply haven’t taken the time to program yours for when you’re not home—now may be the time.

4. Warm up with the sun and cool down with shade.

Letting as much sunlight in as possible may help warm your home and boost your mood during the winter, especially if you have well-positioned windows or skylights in your home.^{Divulgación 6} O, durante los meses calurosos del verano, cerrar las persianas puede ayudarle a mantener la casa más fresca.

You might also consider some energy-efficient home upgrades: Insulated curtains can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Installing reflective window films can also block out heat and protect you from harmful UV rays

5. Use your ceiling fans—and switch them in the winter

During warmer months, try to rely on ceiling fans more than your air conditioner and see if it helps keep your bill down.

And here's a pro tip for the winter: Hit that switch at the base of your ceiling fans to reverse their direction so they rotate clockwise, which can help with warm air circulation. This move can potentially help reduce your heating costs by up to 10%.^{Divulgación 7}

6. Get under the covers.

Depending on your tolerance and the climate where you live, you could consider relying more on blankets and clothing to try to stay warm in the winter. Investing in a warmer comforter is another option that could help.

Even if it helps you keep the thermostat down by just a few extra degrees, it could add up.

7. Change filters more frequently.

During the hottest and coldest days of the year, your HVAC system runs its hardest. Replacing your air filters regularly may be able to help it work more efficiently, which could help save you money. If you think you'll forget, set calendar reminders.

Although filters cost money, overworking equipment that’s sending air through clogged or dirty filters can potentially cost you more in the long run—and lower the quality of indoor air.

8. Make sure vents are free and clear.

Si todavía no descubrió dónde se encuentran todas las ventilaciones en su casa, es momento de buscarlas. ¿Están bloqueadas por muebles, cortinas u obras de arte? Asegúrese de que las áreas frente a las ventilaciones estén despejadas para que el aire fluya de forma más eficiente por su casa.

If airflow feels weak anywhere in your home when your HVAC is running, then something might be blocking it.

9. Find and seal any leaks.

The U.S. Department of Energy says sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and ceilings can save you 5% – 30% a year on energy costs and make your home more comfortable.^{Divulgación 8} Air leaks can cause problems both in summer and winter, so this fix could benefit your utility bill year-round. As far as home improvement projects go, it's a fairly simple one. So if you're feeling handy, you may even be able to seal those leaks yourself.

It's also possible for your HVAC's air ducts to leak. Some possible signs of leaky ducts include uneven temperatures in different rooms, excessive dust, or seemingly inefficient heating or cooling in general.^{Divulgación 9} If you suspect you have leaky ducts and are unable to pinpoint or fix the problem yourself, consider calling a local specialist.

10. Request an audit and ask about rebates.

Comuníquese con su proveedor de servicios y consulte si ofrece auditorías de energía gratuitas o a bajo costo. ¿Para qué sirve una auditoría de energía? Localiza dónde pierde la mayor parte de la energía su vivienda.

La finalidad es identificar mejoras para ahorrar energía y reducir su factura mensual. Al hablar con el proveedor, también pregunte si ofrece reembolsos por equipos.

11. Consider investing in greener energy options.

Keep energy savings on your mind when it's time to eventually replace major appliances by investing in Energy Star-certified appliances that can help lower your utility bill. Geothermal heating and cooling units compared to traditional HVACs, for example, could reduce your energy costs significantly, according to the Department of Energy.^{Divulgación 10}

The upfront costs of installing a solar rooftop can be high, but it could potentially pay off over time. Project Sunroof offers a guess at how much you can save by adding rooftop solar if you put in your address. You may also be able to take advantage of federal tax incentives to help offset the initial cost.

On average, it takes five to 10 years to pay back the cost of solar panels. Over the course of their lifetime, they can save you anywhere from $25,500 to $33,000 on electricity expenses.^{Divulgación 11}

Utilities are a recurring expense we all deal with-but they're an expense we can at least have some control over. Taking small steps where you can may add up over time and help with your financial confidence.