35 Best Ways for Moms to Lower Their Utility Bills

As a mom, you have a lot on your plate. From cooking, cleaning, taking care of kids, and sometimes working an outside job, the last thing you need is to worry about high utility bills.

However, they can easily get out of control and stress you out even more. You may not even realize how much energy and resources your home uses until you receive a high bill.

This blog post aims to empower moms with energy-saving tips and tricks on lowering their utility bills without sacrificing comfort. 

Tips for Lowering Your Utility Bills

1) Conduct an Energy Audit

Hire a professional or conduct a DIY energy audit of your home. Identify areas where energy is being wasted and implement measures to address those inefficiencies and reduce waste. 

2) Adjust Your Thermostat

Slightly lowering your thermostat in the winter and raising it in the summer can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. Aim for energy-efficient temperatures, like 68°F in winter and 78°F in summer.

3) Unplug Unused Electronics

Even when not in use, many electronic devices continue to draw power. Unplug chargers, small appliances, and electronics like TVs and computers when they’re not being used. 

4) Install Energy-Efficient Lighting

Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient options like LED or CFL bulbs. They last longer and use significantly less energy, saving you money in the long run.

5) Fix Leaky Faucets and Pipes

Fixing any leaky faucets or pipes can save a lot of water and energy in the long run. This is especially important if you have an older home with outdated plumbing fixtures. Fixing these issues early on will help ensure that you don’t end up paying for wasted water and electricity.

6) Seal Air Leaks

Inspect your home for drafts and seal air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or insulation to prevent warm or cool air from escaping, reducing the strain on your heating and cooling systems.

7) Install Low Flow Fixtures

If you haven’t already done so, consider installing low-flow fixtures in your home. Low-flow fixtures can really help reduce the amount of water and energy being wasted by using less water per minute than a standard fixture. This will not only save money on your water bill but also keep more natural resources from being used unnecessarily.

8) Use a Programmable Thermostat

Invest in a programmable thermostat that allows you to set different temperature levels for different times of the day. This way, you can automatically adjust the temperature when you’re away or sleeping, saving energy.

9) Use Energy-Efficient Curtains or Blinds

Install curtains or blinds that have insulating properties. These can help regulate the temperature by blocking out heat in the summer and retaining warmth in the winter.

10) Take Shorter Showers

Reduce your water heating costs by taking shorter showers. A few minutes less in the shower can make a huge difference in your utility bills.

11) Practice Efficient Cooking

When using your oven, try to minimize preheating time and use the remaining heat to finish cooking. Match the size of your pots and pans to the burners to avoid wasting heat, and use lids to trap heat and cook food faster.

12) Cook With an Air Fryer

Using an air fryer can help save energy and reduce cooking time compared to using a conventional oven for similar recipes. Using an air fryer in the summer is especially important because it won’t heat up your home like a traditional oven and cause your AC to work harder.

13) Use a Slow Cooker Instead of a Stovetop

Slow cookers require much less energy than stovetop cooking and can help you save money on your electricity bill. Slow cookers are also great for busy moms who don’t have time to stand over the stove all day.

14) Use Cold Water for Laundry

Using cold water for laundry is an easy way to save energy and money. Colder water uses less energy in the washing machine, and detergents are designed to work just as well in cold water. 

15) Close the Drapes and Blinds

In the summertime, closing your drapes or blinds during the day helps to block out the sun’s heat and keep your house cooler.

16) Use Power Strips

Using power strips to control multiple appliances at once can help limit energy use. When you’re done using the appliances, turn off the power strip and save energy.

17) Replace Old Appliances

Old appliances are usually not very energy-efficient. Consider replacing them with newer models that have an Energy Star rating for lower energy consumption. This will not only help reduce your utility bills, but it can also help the environment.

18) Insulate Your Hot Water Heater 

Adding insulation around your hot water heater can help to cut down on your energy consumption and save you money. You can purchase an insulation blanket for the tank or hire a professional to inspect it.

19) Use Solar Yard Lights 

Using solar-powered yard lights is a great way to cut your energy bills while still keeping your landscape well-lit. Solar yard lights are easy to install and require little maintenance.

20) Clean HVAC Filters

Dirty HVAC filters can reduce the efficiency of your system and cause it to run longer than necessary, resulting in higher energy bills. Make sure to check and clean your air filter regularly.

21) Let Dishes Air Dry

When using your dishwasher, let dishes air dry instead of using the dishwasher’s drying cycle. This will use less energy and reduce your utility bills.

22) Keep Your Refrigerator Full

A full refrigerator requires less energy to cool than an empty one. It’s a good idea to fill empty spaces with bottles of water or other items that can help maintain the temperature.

23) Use a Rain Barrel

Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering your plants. This will lower your water bills by reducing the amount of water used for gardening.

24) Use Ceiling Fans 

Ceiling fans are a really inexpensive way to cool your home without using as much energy as the AC. They work by circulating the air in the room and can make a big difference on hot summer days.

25) Clean Refrigerator Coils 

Dust and pet hair can accumulate on the coils of your refrigerator, which can make it less efficient. Make sure to clean them regularly with a vacuum cleaner or brush attachment to increase their efficiency.

26) Take advantage of off-peak hours

 Check with your utility provider to find out if they offer discounted rates during off-peak hours. Consider shifting energy-intensive tasks like laundry or running the dishwasher to these times to take advantage of lower rates.

27) Add a Timer to Your Hot Water Heater

By adding a timer to your hot water heater, you can make sure it’s not running unnecessarily. This will help reduce energy usage and lower your bills.

28) Install Motion Sensors on Outdoor Lights

Motion sensors for outdoor lighting can help reduce energy usage and save you money. When movement is detected, the lights turn on automatically and turn off after a certain amount of time.

29) Use a Drying Rack for Clothes

Using a drying rack is an easy and effective way to save energy from running your dryer. Drying racks are inexpensive and allow you to dry your clothes without using any electricity. 

30) Conduct Regular HVAC Maintenance

In addition to regular cleaning and replacing air filters, you should regularly schedule professional maintenance to ensure optimal performance and catch any potential issues early.

31) Adjust the Setting on Your Hot Water Heater

By lowering the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees, you can save money and energy without sacrificing comfort. 

32) Use Your Washing Machine Wisely

You shouldn’t run your washing machine until you have a full load. And avoid using the “extra rinse” setting as it wastes a lot of water. 

33) Consider Solar Panels

If feasible, explore the possibility of installing solar panels on your property. Solar energy can significantly reduce your reliance on the grid, potentially lowering your electricity bill.

34) Install Attic Fans

To cool your home and reduce your air conditioning costs, install attic fans. This will help draw hot air out of the attic and keep your home cooler without having to run the AC all day. You can even use solar-powered models for added energy savings.

35) Consider a Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater heats the water on demand, eliminating the energy wasted in storing and maintaining hot water in a traditional water heater tank. They can be more energy efficient and save you money in the long run.

Final Thoughts

No one loves to pay high utility bills. It will take a few changes and mindset switches to achieve a more energy-efficient home and enjoy savings. 

By applying these tips, you’ll be able to reduce your energy bills and help the environment, all while not sacrificing any comfort or convenience. With a little effort, you can save a lot of money without losing anything worthwhile.