Save Money on Utilities
Everyone has become more cost-conscious given the current economic conditions. It seems like prices go up on a daily basis, but jobs are hard to find and salaries are stagnant. That means that you must find creative ways to save money, and one great way to do that is to find ways to lower your utility costs.
First, consider your telephone bill. Many people have cell phones these days, and many actually rely on their cell phones exclusively. If that is the case with you and your family, you may want to consider eliminating your landline phone. If cell service is reliable in your area and most people have your cell number, you will probably not miss your landline. Getting rid of it can save you approximately $30 per month, maybe more.
The cost of heating and cooling your home is a major expense, but if you adjust your thermostat appropriately, you can save money on your gas, oil and electric bills. During the winter, turn your thermostat down to 68 degrees during the day. If you are cold, wear warmer clothing. Dressing in layers and wearing long underwear and sweaters can help you feel warmer. At night, you can lower the temperature even more. Just make sure you have some warm comforters and blankets to keep you toasty while you sleep. In the summer, turn your thermostat up to 75 degrees during the day. Wear lightweight clothing to help you stay cool. At night, you might want to turn the thermostat down to 72 degrees to make sleeping more comfortable. Setting your thermostat correctly can help you save money on heating and cooling your home throughout the year.
It may sound simple, but you can save money on electricity by turning of lights and electronics when you are not using them. Pay special attention to televisions and computers that draw electricity even when they are turned off. You can connect them to a power strip, and then when you turn off the power strip, electricity will not flow to those appliances, and you will save money on your electric bill.
Many people spend a great deal of money in order to watch television. They subscribe to cable or satellite service, and that can be expensive, especially if more costly packages are purchased. You can eliminate your satellite or cable bill by using an antenna to watch over-the-air television if it is available in your area. Alternatively, you can watch many television shows and moves on your computer by using the Internet. Investigate these options, and you may find that you can survive quite nicely without paying for cable or satellite TV.
Water bills have soared in recent years along with other utility bills, so you should do what you can to limit your water usage. Consider installing a new toilet that uses less water. You can also install a water-saving shower head in your shower to help you conserve water. Try to limit your shower to five minutes, too. There is no need to stay under the running water for a half hour!
With a little common sense, you can probably pare down your utility costs. Consider ditching your landline, adjusting your thermostat, turning off your electrical appliances when not in use, finding alternate methods to watch TV and eliminating wasted water, and you will be surprised at how much money you can save.
