5 Tricks to Save Over $500 on Your Utility Bill
Opening your utility bill each month can be like a scary game -- did you break the bank cranking up your heat or was your air conditioning on your side? When it's a lower bill, you may wonder if any of your energy-saving efforts like turning the lights off or unplugging electronics actually helped decrease the total cost. You're not alone.
According to a Rent.com survey of 1,000 U.S. renters in May:
-- 86 percent of renters turn off the lights when they leave their apartments
-- 62 percent use energy-efficient light bulbs
-- 49 percent raise or lower the thermostat when they leave
-- 43 percent unplug electronics when they're not in use
Despite the efforts that those surveyed put into saving money on their monthly utility bill, the majority don't actually know if their good behavior is keeping any green in their wallets. Nearly half of renters aren't sure how big of an impact they're having on their monthly budget when implementing these supposedly cost-effective strategies.
Instead of just assuming your efforts are lowering your utility bills, how about implementing these low- to no-cost energy solutions that can actually save you real dollars on your bill each month? Here are a few surefire ways to leave more money in your pocket:
1. Turn the lights off
Savings: $210 per year
It costs approximately $21 per year to run a single conventional light bulb. If you have 20 light bulbs in your home that can add up to $420 per year. You can save $210 by simply using your lights half as much. Open the blinds during the day to take advantage of natural light, and remember to hit the switch when you leave a room.
2. Switch to fluorescent lights
Savings: $240 per year
While turning your lights off will save you money, you can save even more by switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs, which only cost $9 per year to run -- 57 percent less than a traditional bulb.
3. Adjust your thermostat
Savings: $140 per year
The average U.S. household that uses electric heat will spend $938 on heating this winter, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. But never underestimate the power of the sun when it comes to naturally warming your home. Instead of relying on your thermostat, turn your heat down and open your blinds during the day. You can save up to 15 percent on your heating bill, or about $140, by turning your thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Plus, the natural light will brighten your home, preventing you from needing to turn on any lights.
4. Power down and unplug your electronics
Savings: $100 per year
Go through your home to turn off all electronic devices, and unplug them when it makes sense. You obviously can't unplug your fridge, but consider unplugging your microwave and phone charger when you're not using it. According to Energy Star, American households waste approximately $100 per year powering devices that aren't in use.
5. Wash clothes in cold water
Savings: $40 per year
If you have an in-unit washer and dryer, use cold water to wash your clothes. You can buy detergents that are made especially for cold water loads to leave your garments just as clean and soft as hot water. (Another perk: Washing your clothes in cold water won't cause your garments to fade as quickly if you were to wash them in hot water.) Much of the energy you consume when you do a load of laundry comes from heating the water. Washing your clothes in cold water can save you more than $40 each year, according to Energy Star. You may also want to do your laundry at night because you'll avoid peak hours of energy use, which will lead to more savings on your utility bill.
Niccole Schreck is the rental experience expert for Rent.com, a free rental site that helps you find an affordable apartment and provides tips on how to move.
