Many rewards come from owning a home, including potential financial gains and having a place to call your own. Unfortunately, homeownership is not without its headaches: monthly water, gas, and electric bills—on top of ordinary expenses—can quickly burn a hole in your wallet. To ensure you aren’t paying too much each billing period, check out these tips for how to reduce monthly utility bills for your home.
Switch to LEDs
Electricity bills are often the most expensive monthly expenses for homeowners, and the biggest culprits of high electricity bills are energy-inefficient light bulbs. Because of this, opt for a fixture makeover with LED bulbs. These light bulbs require little energy and illuminate large spaces.
Plenty of traditional-looking fixtures implement LED bulbs, meaning they won’t be eyesores. The best part about these fixtures, outside of their cost efficiency, is their flexibility through advanced technology. Some LED lights pair with your smartphone and feature apps that wirelessly change the temperature and colour of the lights.
Only Use What You Need
If you work an office job or take long trips often, you’re spending a whole lot on utility bills when you’re not even home! It’s best to unplug electronics that aren’t necessary while no one’s home. Remember to check the air conditioning and ensure it’s at a cost-effective temperature or turned off completely.
Even when you’re home, you’re probably using more electricity and gas than you need. For instance, heaters often work overtime and can consequentially cost you a fortune. Instead of losing money each month, only use the heat when necessary. Consider cooking at night, as the heat from your appliances can effectively heat large spaces, or use a fireplace if available.
Maintain Quality Ventilation
Good ventilation goes a long way in reducing monthly utility bills. Most importantly, you want an efficient HVAC system that effectively circulates clean air throughout the home. Maintaining these systems is essential, so regularly conduct a simple inspection of your air ducts for leaks or other damage.
Additionally, ensure your HVAC or window unit gets a clean filter every three months—an inefficient AC or HVAC system works harder and directly raises monthly bills. Lastly, utilize windows and screen doors to promote natural ventilation without the need for gas or electricity.
 Conclusion
Knowing how to reduce monthly utility bills for your home comes down to intelligent design and regular maintenance. The work involved may seem daunting, but the savings potential is well worth the effort.
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