As summer temperatures soar, undoubtedly, your expenses climb along with them. The main culprits driving up your costs are the increasing gas prices and power-hungry air conditioners. To avoid these summer expenses leaving a dent in your budget, here are some insightful tips to help curb your utility bills.
Regulate Your Thermostat
Many, including my husband, mistakenly use air conditioning to turn their homes into a virtual fridge.i Upon arriving home from work, I always find the interiors achingly cold. I had to gently remind my other half that an air conditioner’s goal is to make our living spaces cozy, not frigid. So, keeping the thermostat hovering around the high 70s is advised. This level provides cool comfort without incurring the high costs associated with maintaining glacial conditions indoors.
Consolidate and Save
From experience, I’ve noticed that Internet service providers usually offer enticing rates during your first year of subscription. However, we recently experienced the unpleasant surprise of our regular $20 bill rising sharply to $44 after our introductory offer lapsed, more than double our initial rate!
This prompted a search for better deals, leading me to the option of combining our internet and cable services. By speaking directly to the cable company and buying via them, I secured another first-year introductory rate at $20, dropping to $30 in subsequent years. This move constitutes a meaningful $14 per month saving on our initial rate.
If home telephone service is adding to your bills, but not utilized effectively, consider bundling this into the package for further savings, or ditching it altogether.
Ditch the Home Telephone
If your landline is underused, it may be prudent to go fully mobile. Such a decision comes with its own pros and cons such as emergency readiness during cell network failures, and this should be considered carefully.
Cut Down on Electricity Use
Additional savings on the power bill can be achieved by scheduling heavy electricity usage for off-peak hours, usually occurring early morning or late at night. Standby power consumption can also add to your utility expenses, so unplugging appliances when they’re not in use is another viable option.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, standby power accounts for about 5-10% of your total energy usage. Smaller appliances like toasters, microwaves, printers, DVD players, and even televisions can guzzle electricity when left plugged in.
Although summer inevitably comes with higher utility bills, remember that it also brings well-needed sunshine and recreation opportunities. Don’t let monetary worries steal your ability to enjoy the season. Picnic in the park or a mountain trek are cost-free ways to make the most of the warmer months. Trust me, at the end of it all, your financial situation tends to find its equilibrium.
