20 Proven Ways to Lower Your High Utility Bills

High utility bills can be frustrating, especially for a homeowner.

It feels like there’s nothing you can do to control the costs, but that’s not the case.

You can lower your utility bill and even adopt some cost-saving measures to help you manage the costs of living in your home.

Most high utility bills are a reflection of how much energy you use in your home — for example: running the air conditioner or heating the house during peak periods when demand is high.

Before we dive into the 20 proven ways of lowering your utility bills let's first have a look at what utility bills are and some of the reasons why yours might be so high.

What Are Utility Bills

Utility bills are one of the most common bills that people receive each month.

They usually include charges for electricity, gas, water, and cable TV.

Depending on the size of your household and the type of service you're using, your bill could range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars per month.

When you receive your utility bill, it's important to read it carefully and understand what's included in your bill.

You should also be able to estimate how much money you'll need to pay each month to cover the costs of your services.

You can also contact your utility company to ask questions or make changes to your bill.

It's important to understand what's included in your utility bill and to pay it each month so that you can continue to enjoy the benefits of your services.

Reasons Why Your Utility Bill Might Be So High

If you're like most people, you're probably wondering why your utility bill is always so high.

In a recent study and data provided by Move.org, the average utility bill for the American household is $575 per month.

This is huge!

If your monthly bill is hovering around this amount, then there are a few possible explanations:

Your energy usage might be higher than average, your home might be in a particularly hot or cold area, or you might be using more energy than you're used to.

One way to check your energy usage is to use a meter to measure how much power your appliances are using.

If you're using more power than you're used to, there's a good chance you're using too much electricity from your utility company.

You can try to reduce your energy usage by switching to low-energy appliances or switching to methods of energy conservation, like turning off lights when you leave a room or using a ceiling fan instead of an air conditioner.

Whatever the reason for your high utility bill, it's important to contact your utility company and ask for help.

They can often offer discounts or rebates for reducing your energy usage.

And if you're struggling to pay your bill, they can often arrange a payment plan that's easier for you.

However, if you don't want to contact your utility company, read further as we share and explain 20 proven ways how to lower your utility bills.

20 Proven Ways to Lower Your Utility Bill

To lower your monthly bills, follow these 20 proven ways you can reduce your utility costs.

1. Turn off lights and appliances when not in use

This will help reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bill.

2. Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs

These use less energy and can help reduce your energy consumption and lower your bills.

3. Insulate your home

Proper insulation can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which can help reduce your electric bill.

4. Use a programmable thermostat

This can help you control the temperature in your home more efficiently and reduce your heating and cooling costs.

5. Lower your water temperature

Heating water can be a significant source of energy consumption in your home.

You can save energy costs and reduce your utility bills by setting your water heater to a lower temperature or using cold water instead of hot water where you can.

6. Plant trees or install shading devices

You will have hot air in your home if you don't have any shading devices. Installing shading devices can help block the sun's rays and keep your home cooler in the summer, which can help reduce your HVAC system costs.

7. Seal and insulate your ducts

Properly sealed and insulated ducts can help reduce your heating and cooling costs by preventing conditioned air from escaping.

8. Use a low-flow showerhead

Low-flow showerheads use less water and can help reduce your water usage and lower your water bill.

9. Fix any leaks

Leaks in your pipes or appliances can waste significant water and increase your water bill.

Repairing any leaks can help you save money on your utility bills.

10. Use a clothesline or drying rack

Using a clothesline or drying rack instead of a dryer can help you save energy and lower your energy bill.

11. Adjust your thermostat

Set your thermostat to a higher temperature in the summer and a lower temperature in the winter to save on heating and cooling costs.

12. Use a timer for your pool pump

Running your pool pump for longer than necessary can increase your electricity costs.

Using a timer can help you control the amount of time the pump is running and save money on your utility bills.

13. Use energy-efficient windows

Energy-efficient windows can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which can help reduce your heating and cooling costs.

14. Unplug electronic devices when not in use

Even when electronic devices are turned off during off-peak hours, they can still use energy.

Unplugging devices when they are not in use can help reduce your electricity consumption and energy use to lower your electric bills.

15. Use a power strip

A power strip allows you to turn off multiple electronic devices at once, which can help reduce your energy consumption and lower your bills.

16. Upgrade to a smart thermostat

Smart thermostats can learn your temperature preferences and automatically adjust the temperature in your home to save energy and reduce your utility bills.

17. Use a programmable timer for your lights

Programmable timers can help you control when your lights turn on and off, which can help reduce your electricity consumption and lower your bills.

18. Install a water-saving toilet

Water-saving toilets use less water and can help reduce your water usage and lower your water bill.

19. Replace your old appliances with energy-efficient models

Energy-efficient appliances can use less energy and can help reduce your energy consumption and lower your energy bills.

Energy efficiency is the way to go.

20. Shop around for the best utility rates

You can save money on your utility bills by shopping around and comparing rates.

Where you live and the utility provider you choose can significantly affect the rates you pay.

Conclusion

It's also a good idea to regularly review your utility and electricity bills by doing an energy audit to identify any unusual or excessive usage, as this can be a sign of a problem such as a leak or faulty appliance.

If you address these issues and implement at least some of the tips above, you can save money on your utility bills and improve the efficiency of your home.

For more money-saving tips please check out our Spend Less and Save Money page.