Utilities: 3 Tips on How You Can Save For Your Household

When the leaves start changing colors, and the wind starts growing teeth, that's when homeowners start shuttering their windows and hunkering down for winter. If you want to get through the cold season without spending an arm and a leg on your energy bills, here are some simple tips that can provide big savings.

Utilities Tip #1: Insulate, and Plug Leaks

Your home is your armor against the elements, and if it isn't airtight, then it's letting cold air in, and hot air out. Before Fall truly gives way to Winter, it's important to check your house for leaks. The area beneath the doors, as well as the seals around the windows, are primary places to lose heat. Attics also tend to be locations that let in the chill, which is why they should be insulated before the nights get to be truly freezing.

This might not save you a lot by itself, but you could easily shave $5–$20 or more off your heating bill depending on your home's size and the number of potential leaks. Don't forget to check plumbing penetrations through exterior walls — these gaps can allow cold air infiltration as well.

Utilities Tip #2: Turn Down Your Heat

No one likes being cold, but when you were a kid and your mom said if you were cold to put on a sweater, she was giving you great advice. Turning down your thermostat even a few degrees — especially at night or when the house is empty — can save a surprising amount on your heating costs over a full season.

Consider a programmable or smart thermostat that automatically adjusts temperature based on your schedule. The investment pays for itself quickly in energy savings.

Utilities Tip #3: Use Cold Water in Your Washing Machine

The majority of the energy used by a washing machine goes toward heating the water. Modern detergents are formulated to work just as well in cold water, so switching to cold washes for most loads can meaningfully reduce your monthly utility bill without sacrificing clean laundry.

This simple change can save you $30–$50 per year on your water heating costs alone. Paired with a tankless water heater that only heats water on demand, you can amplify these savings significantly.