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5 Ways to Save on Utility Bills This Summer

Jenna Taubel

Jenna Taubel About The Author

Aug 21, 2018 8:02:00 AM

The summer season is a time of year when your utility bills can get out of hand if you aren't careful. From watering the lawn and the flowers because of a lack of rain to running the air conditioner. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can save on almost any utility bill while staying comfortable in the heat of the summer months.

Get Unplugged

As you spend more time outside in the summer, unplug the electronics and other items in the home that you don't use as often. If you're not watching television or playing video games, then unplug the devices. Any appliances that are on the counters or those that you don't use in the home during the summer should be unplugged for a short time at least to save money on your electric bill.

Water Woes

The summer season can be dry because of a lack of rain. Whether you're using more water to make sure your lawn stays green or you're using a water hose to keep everyone in the family cool by playing a few games outside, your water bill could increase. You can save money on your bill when you tighten down faucets inside and outside your home so that they don't leak. Try to water your lawn in the morning or the evening so that the water used doesn't evaporate as fast as it would during the heat of the middle of the day.

Close Unused Rooms

When you have the air on in the home, it will travel through the vents to all of the rooms. Close the doors to the rooms in your home that you don't use. Even if you don't use them for an hour or two, you can keep the air from flowing to them by shutting the doors and the vents, focusing the air on areas of the home where you and your family gathering.

Lighting The Way

Keeping lights on in the home can waste electricity and can also increase the temperature. Turn off all lights during the day and evening as much as possible, using the natural light of the sun as it shines through the windows. You can also get dimming devices for your lights so that they aren't as bright as they normally are when they are used.

Use Natural Air

When possible, open the windows to allow fresh air inside the home instead of using your air conditioner. If you put a fan in a window, then the air outside can be circulated through the home, saving money on your electric bill since your cooling unit isn't used. You can also hang clothes on a line outside to dry instead of using the dryer.

Warmer weather often means that you try to find ways to stay cool without paying a lot of money on your monthly bills. However, that's sometimes difficult if you see little to no rain or if the heat cranks up to uncomfortable levels. When possible, let natural air flow through while keeping as many things off in the home as you can to save on your utilities.

If you need help saving money and budgeting, check out our guide to finding the right budgeting method for you and your family.

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