By Ashley Paskill
Whether you live in an apartment or a house off-campus, you likely have to pay for utilities as a part of your rent. If you are not careful, your utility bill can get really high really quickly. Luckily, there are plenty of things that you can do to help lower your utility costs fairly easily. If you and your roommates are all on the same page with making small changes, you can save a lot of money while also helping the environment.
Turn off lights
One of the easiest things you can do to lower your utility bill is turn off the lights when you leave a room, especially if you do not plan on going back to that room within the next few minutes. This is especially true for when you leave your apartment or house for any reason. It is easier to do if your light switches are near the doors to the room. Being more mindful of this alone can make a huge difference in your utility bill.
Be more energy-efficient
While you may not have too much say in this, try your best to use energy-efficient lightbulbs and appliances. Ask your landlord if they would be willing to upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances if you are unable to make that change yourself. One thing you may be able to control is use energy-efficient lightbulbs when the old ones go out.
Natural lighting
It may be tempting to always have the lights on in your space. However, this can rack up your utility bill. If you have windows in your house or apartment, open the curtains and utilize the sunshine in place of having electric lights on. Not only will this help save money, but using natural light can boost your mood and change the overall atmosphere of your living space.
Unplug unused electronics
Even if they are switched off, electronics still use energy when they are plugged in. While it may be convenient to keep these items plugged in, unplugging them will help save you money on your utility bill. This goes for big items such as your TV and desktop computer as well as smaller items like your cell phone or laptop. Making this change for even the smaller items can make a big difference.
Fill it up
You may want to wear your favorite sweatshirt every single day, but washing only the sweatshirt can increase your utility costs. Only run the washer, dryer, and dishwasher when they are full if you have access to these appliances within your space. It may seem convenient to wash dishes and your laundry frequently, but doing so can raise your utility bill.
Water usage
Being mindful of your water usage can significantly reduce your utility bill. When you are brushing your teeth, do not leave the water running when you are actively brushing. Only use the water to rinse your toothbrush and to get water to rinse the toothpaste of your mouth. While it is nice to take a long, hot shower at the end of the day, do your best to limit the time you spend in the shower. Taking showers does use less water than baths. If possible, try to avoid pre-rinsing your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
Limit TV time
It may not seem like it, but TVs take up a lot of energy. If you are in the habit of leaving the TV on as background noise as you go about your day, consider switching to your laptop or phone for the same purpose. Many streaming platforms use websites, so catch up on your favorite shows using your laptop instead of the TV.
Alternative cooling
When it starts to get warmer out, it may be tempting to automatically lower the temperature in your space to cool things off. However, this can drastically increase your utility bill. Instead, use your ceiling fans to help circulate the air in your space. These fans are often forgotten about, but they can be a great source of help when it comes to decreasing your utility bill. If it is not too hot out, you may also opt to open the windows to let the breeze cool your apartment or house. Opening windows is an easy and cost-effective way to get fresh air and keep things cooler.
Dress in layers
Utilizing your clothes can help you save money. If you are cold, instead of raising your heat, put on another shirt, a pair of socks or shoes, or even a blanket. If you are too warm, instead of turning on the air conditioning immediately, switch into shorts and/or short sleeves and take off any bulky clothes. It is easier to add than to remove. Using clothes to help regulate your temperature instead of relying on the heater and air conditioning will help save you money on your utilities.
It may seem difficult to lower your utility bill, but if you are willing to be creative and make some small sacrifices, you can save a lot of money.
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