With today’s rising fuel costs, cutting costs on your monthly utilities can seem more and more like a necessity. By being disciplined, you can save on your bills.
Gas
Gas is an area that can put a strain on your wallet if you're not careful. To save on your gas bill, first try lowering your water heater. Chances are, unless you have small children, you have not paid attention to the temperature at which it is set. You can adjust it to a much lower setting and notice a difference in your bill long before you’ll notice a difference in your shower.
Also, turn your thermostat down three degrees during the colder months to save on your gas bill. Again, this is a change that can make more of a difference to your bills than your comfort level. You should also weather-strip your doors and windows and make sure that your attic is adequately insulated. By preventing your heat from escaping, you can save on your gas bill.
Water
There are several tricks to save on your water bill. First, check to make sure that none of your faucets are leaking. It is amazing how much a little drip can add to your monthly water bill. Also, water the lawn only when there is less chance of evaporation -- between 6 am and 8 am is usually best. Another way to lower your water bill is to limit the length of your showers. The average shower uses between six to 10 gallons of water per minute. Shortening your time in there can produce significant savings. Also, only run the dishwasher and washing machines when they have full loads. This, too, can help you to save on water bills.
Electric
To save on your electric bills, adjust your mindset to be energy efficient. Turn off all lights that you are not using at the time. Don’t use the TV for background noise -- it can really suck up electricity. Opt for energy-efficient appliances. You can even use fluorescent lighting that lasts up to ten times longer than typical bulbs and is much more efficient.
Phone
You can also find ways to save on phone bills. Use your cell phone for long distance phone calls. Just be sure to call during off-peak hours. Also, use e-mails instead of calling. You can also try using the Internet for your phone service. VOIP (voice over internet protocol) phone service typically provides all of your phone needs -- local, long distance, voice mail, call waiting, etc. -- for one low price. It can typically cost $20 to $40 a month so this is a great way to save on your phone bill.
Making a lifestyle change can help you to save on bills. Make a conscious choice to cut back on your energy usage. Try to cut back on marathon showers, and think of alternatives to pricy long distance calls. It is possible to save on your bills with just a small amount of sacrifice.
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