Every month, it arrives in your mailbox, a grim reminder of all those long showers, loads of laundry, and dishes washed. You might think there’s nothing you can do about it. After all, you need water to live, don’t you? Well, get ready to discover game-changing strategies that can slash your water expenses and leave you with more money in your pocket.
The Energy Audit
Let’s start with an energy audit. It sounds fancy, but it’s just a fancy term for a check-up on your home’s energy use. Utility providers often conduct these audits, sometimes for free, and can identify ways to reduce your energy usage. An audit can help you figure out if faulty seals on windows and doors or leaky ductwork are draining energy from your home. You’ll also get recommendations for repairs and efficient fixtures.
So, before you dismiss this as too technical or time-consuming, think about the potential savings. A few hours of your time could lead to significant reductions in your water bill. Now that’s what we call a good investment.
Thermostat Adjustment
Next up, let’s talk about your thermostat. Did you know that simply adjusting your thermostat down or up 7 to 10 degrees when you’re asleep or away from home can lower your annual heating and cooling costs by around 10%? A programmable thermostat does the work for you. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.
And while we’re on the subject of temperature, let’s not forget about your fridge and freezer. Set your fridge to 37 degrees and your freezer to 0 degrees. This will keep your food fresh, but your fridge and freezer won’t need to work as hard to maintain the temperature.
Routine Maintenance
Maintenance matters to keep your HVAC and appliances running efficiently. That can be as simple as regularly swapping out the air filter of your heating and air conditioning system. It’s also wise to hire a reputable repair company for an annual check. For the fridge, you’ll want to clean the refrigerator coils at least once a year and keep it away from heat sources (e.g., a sunny window or the oven) to reduce energy usage.
Remember, a little bit of maintenance can go a long way in terms of energy efficiency. So, don’t neglect those routine checks and repairs.
Shorter Showers
Hot water is the second-largest expense in powering most homes. Cutting back on your hot water usage — in the shower, laundry and dishwasher — can make a sizable dent in your overall energy bill. Trimming just two minutes off your shower time could save 5 gallons of water. Taking a shorter shower will reduce the energy used to heat the water too.
And while we’re on the subject of showers, consider replacing your showerhead. An efficient showerhead — that uses no more than 2 gallons per minute — can reduce household water usage by 2,700 gallons per year.
Washing Clothes in Warm or Cold Water
Stick to warm or cold water when you do laundry to lower your electric bill. Doing so can also help prevent clothes from shrinking, fading and wrinkling. That’s a win-win.
And don’t forget about your water heater. The default temperature setting on some water heaters is 140 degrees. Lowering it to 120 degrees can reduce your energy costs by 4%-22% annually.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you’re in the market for a new washer, dishwasher or water heater, buy an energy-efficient model to yield long-term savings. A dishwasher with the EPA’s Energy Star label uses 12% less energy and 30% less water on average than a regular model. Prioritize appliances that run most often, like the fridge, dishwasher, TV, washer and dryer.
Remember, investing in energy-efficient appliances might seem costly upfront, but the long-term savings are worth it.
Asking About Discounted Rates
Some utility providers offer cheaper rates during parts of the day when general usage is down— think early in the day or late at night. You could spend less on electricity by doing laundry and other energy-intensive chores at off-peak times. If this appeals to you, ask your power company about a time-of-use rate plan.
So, don’t be shy. Ask about those discounted rates. You might be surprised at how much you can save.
LED Lighting
Keeping the lights on accounts for roughly 15% or more of a home’s energy usage. Save around $225 per year by swapping out incandescent bulbs and old light fixtures with LEDs. Doing so will certainly help you cut costs, but the switch to LEDs is inevitable. Energy Department efficiency rules that went into effect in 2022 will take most incandescent bulbs off the market. Look for lighting products that bear the Energy Star label.
And don’t forget about dimmer switches. Dimmers let you set the brightness in a room to suit your needs, setting the mood and saving electricity.
Smart Power Strips
Some electronic gadgets — such as TVs, computers and speakers — never truly power off. Instead, they sit in standby mode using a trickle of power that can account for 5%-10% of home energy use and $100 a year. Plug these electronics into a smart power strip, which cuts off the current when the devices aren’t in use. A power strip with a manual on/off switch is another good option.
Master Your Water Bill
So, there you have it. Nine effective strategies to slash your water bill. Try a few of these tips to start, and monitor your electric bill for savings in the months ahead. Work up to more changes to compound what you save in energy and money. Remember, every little bit helps. So, start making those changes today, and watch your water bill shrink.
