The average American household spends over $5,000 per month on living expenses. If you’re looking for ideas for living a more frugal life, start by cutting out unnecessary spending. While scaling back on your dining out fees is helpful, why start by looking at the bills you get every month first?
If your energy costs are expensive, there are several things you can do to reduce them. Keep reading to find what the average energy bill costs and how you can start lowering yours today.
The Average Energy Bill Cost
Before you learn how to save money on energy bills, it’s worthwhile knowing how much the average bill costs.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates the average American family spends around $1,300 every month on energy. Of course, your own personal bill may be higher or lower depending on your usage.
If you have high energy bills, there may be issues in your home that need addressing.
Appliances like air conditioners, holiday lighting, and pools can increase your energy costs. You might consider using timers to these appliances on and off with off-peak hours.
Your household appliances could be to blame for your higher bills, too. If you don’t use Energy Star products, consider making the switch.
How to Lower Your Energy Bill
Now that you know the average energy bill cost, here are some techniques for lowering it.
Perform Maintenance
Seals on your windows, doors and appliances may need replacing if they’re letting air in and out. A poor seal will allow energy to seep out of your home, boosting your bill every month.
Have your ductwork inspected and maintained on a regular basis. This will ensure your heating and cooling systems are operating efficiently at all times.
Adjust Your Water Usage
Hot water is one of the biggest expenses for powering your home. Cutting back on how much hot water you use can make a sizeable dent in your energy costs.
Committing to shorter showers can help save up to five gallons for every two minutes you cut back.
Replace your old showerhead with a new efficient model. Options with the WaterSense label need to pass specific efficiency criteria from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Switch Out Your Light Bulbs
Consider using LED bulbs in your most-used light fixtures. LED lights last much longer than standard lighting and consume lower amounts of power, too. This boosts your home’s energy efficiency and lowering your bill in the process.
You might consider installing dimmer switches, too. This allows you to set the brightness to the right level while setting the mood and saving energy.
Consider Solar Energy
While the initial investment into solar energy is high, the payoff will be more than worth it. The exact savings will depend upon where you live, how many solar panels you install, and how much energy you use. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be helping the environment, too.
Contact your local solar panel installer to learn exactly how much you can expect to save over time.
Start Cutting Back on Your Energy Costs Today
There’s no reason why you can’t start lowering your average energy bill cost today. Small simple swaps will make a big difference.
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Also Read: Saving Electricity Sensibly – For Your Wallet And The Environment
