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It’s the time of year where the temps are dropping and utility costs are rising. In Minnesota, we think 30 degrees above zero is darn near shorts weather! But all joking aside, having sky-high utility bills is no fun after just coming off of the expensive holiday season. Here are some creative ideas on Saving on Your Utility Bills.
If you are trying to cut some expenses out of your budget, the best way to do that is to find ways that you can lower your current bills. Many homeowners believe that the utility bills can’t be changed, but if you make your home more efficient and understand exactly what you are paying for, you will see a difference in your budget.
Know Your Usage
The first step in lowering your bills is to know exactly how much water, gas and electricity you use on a monthly basis. Chances are, you could cut back with a few simple steps, such as turning off the lights when leaving a room, not leaving the faucets running and setting your thermostat to different temperatures based on your needs, rather than keeping it at the same number all day long.
Make Minor Adjustments to Your Home
In your home you can do a number of small adjustments to help keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Many of these adjustments will cost nothing and help you save on your utility bills. You can start by assessing all of your vents to make sure none of them are blocked by furniture. Then, you will want to take note of your windows. South-facing windows can give a lot of warmth and light in the day, and should be closed at night to keep out the cold. For water, you can try installing more efficient fixtures to kitchens and bathrooms.
Understand the Services You Pay For
Utility companies often offer a lot more services than customers realize. For example, Columbia Utilities lists all of the services that are available in the community and whether an extra fee is included for that service, or it is already included in your monthly bill. Some services that a customer may not be aware of include snow removal, trash removal beyond weekly pickup and recycling programs that customers may not be fully aware of. It is important to contact your local utility services to see what they offer.
Saving on utilities in important for you and your family so that you can stop worrying about rising costs and start saving towards your next big purchase or vacation.
**Franticmommy was compensated for this post
