With still-high grocery prices, gas prices, and rent, you may be faced with some difficult decisions this autumn season.
How can you save money on monthly costs such as gas, electric, water, and air conditioning?
Electricity and energy prices are expected to continue high for the foreseeable future, putting American households on the hook for hundreds of dollars in utility bills.
Rather of stretching your budget, try adopting some behavioural adjustments that will minimise your energy use and, as a result, your expenses.
ZiMetro News staffers have been tracking changing electricity rates for several months and have authored multiple stories with ideas and strategies for lowering energy expenditures.
There are practical strategies to save more money each month, and many of them involve simple lifestyle modifications that you can use right away.
We’ve collected a list of every article that can help you save money on electricity, water, and energy. If you like our cheat sheet tutorial, you might also be interested in our solar cheat sheet and our home sustainability cheat sheet.
National average utility bills
In the US, the average family should expect to spend close to $300 every month on electricity, gas, water and sewer bills — but that price can fluctuate greatly depending on region and usage.
Here’s a breakdown of average monthly utility costs, according to Move as well as a breakdown of the 10 states with the highest average utility bills in the US:
- Electricity: $117.46
- Natural gas: $61.69
- Water: $45.44
- Sewer: $66.20
10 states with the highest average utility bills in the US
| State | Electricity | Natural gas | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| US average | $117.46 | $61.69 | $45.44 |
| Hawaii | $162.66 | $236.83 | $45.44 |
| Connecticut | $161.55 | $80.94 | $45.44 |
| Alabama | $143.95 | $78.83 | $45.44 |
| Georgia | $129.92 | $85.88 | $45.44 |
| Arizona | $136.70 | $78.22 | $45.44 |
| Massachusetts | $132.18 | $80.49 | $45.44 |
| Rhode Island | $130.75 | $81.55 | $45.44 |
| New Hampshire | $120.01 | $82.20 | $45.44 |
| South Carolina | $138.16 | $61.69 | $45.44 |
| Texas | $132.59 | $61.69 | $45.44 |
Save money on electric and gas bills
Probably the most important utility and the largest utility bill for Americans is electricity. You may have noticed a spike in electricity bills over the past few years, the reason being rising natural gas prices. Natural gas accounts for about 38% of the country’s electricity production, so these bills are understandably connected.
Natural gas prices are expected to remain high, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Considering many household appliances use natural gas — including stoves, ovens, dryers, fridge and gas-powered furnaces — your bill can be considerable.
Here are some tried and true ways to lower your electric and gas bills:
- Set your thermostat to an ideal temperature during the summer.
- Turn off the lights every time you leave the room.
- Unplug appliances when they’re not in use.
- Use appliances during specific times of day to cut down your electric bills.
- Move your thermostat.
- Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for better temperature control.
- Adjust the temperature on your water heater.
- Invest in energy-saving smart devices for your home.
For renters who may not be able to make any large-scale adjustments, try these 10 apartment-friendly, energy-saving tips.
Here Are 23 Ways to Save On Your Electric Bills Right Now
Save on water bills all year long
Between showers, sinks, toilets, dishwashers
, washing machines and yard work, you probably use more water than you think. The average American household uses more than 300 gallons of water daily, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Altogether, this equates to about $1,000 per year on water bills. Your monthly bill might be lower or higher than this, depending on your location, water usage habits, water-saving tech and other factors.
It’s important to save on your water bill. Here’s how:
- Decrease the time you spend in the shower.
- Skip the bath and opt for a shower instead.
- Use cold water when you do laundry.
More tips to save money during the summer
On average, it costs between $75 and $175 per month to run a central air conditioning system and cool a home in the US. For many Americans in the South and Southwest, summer is the most brutal time of year for expenses.
Learn to save money during the winter, too
Winter can be a costly time of year for many Americans in colder climates who rely on furnaces. Here are a few tips to help you pocket more cash:
- Insulate your water pipes.
- Weatherstrip your home.
- Upgrade to a heat pump to save on heating.
For all your heating information, explore our winter utility FAQ.
Keep checking ZiMetro News section for more advice on saving money and getting things done around the house.
