Most people spend their time looking for ways to cut their spending habits. From extreme couponing to buying second-hand items online, there are means and ways to reduce your spend. When it comes to racking up the monthly bills, however, things aren’t quite as straightforward. After all, the rent isn’t going to pay itself. You still need to shell out for your utility bills no matter what. With some smart tricks, you can cut down on your monthly outgoings without having to drastically change your lifestyle.
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Lighting
As we approach the winter, natural sunlight becomes more and more scarce. That means the light we are exposed to is coming right out of our pockets. With the dark mornings and darker evenings, it’s all too easy to get used to flipping the light switch. But reaching for the lamp isn’t the most cost-effective method, is it?
There are other ways to get light into your home, or simply cut down on your energy usage. By trading your standard light bulbs for a more eco-friendly option, you can increase your home’s efficiency. With standard bulbs, every time you hit the light switch, you’re paying to power up the bulb at full power. Even if you’re just passing through the room, it costs to bring the light to its full wattage. Energy efficient light bulbs work differently. They first appear rather more dull, but slowly come up to full power the longer the light stays on.
Another option is to fill your living space with candles. They aren’t going to make your room the brightest it can be, but it does provide a natural light source. It can also offer the perfect ‘mood lighting’ for relaxing after a long day’s work. You can buy candles online; some are even scented to give you a real feeling of luxury.
Gas & Electricity
Did you know that all your appliances are costing you money, even when they’re turned off? If an electrical item is plugged in and switched on, it’s slowly draining your bank balance. Get into the habit of unplugging all your devices when they’re not in use and it’ll save a fortune in the long run. Phone chargers are the biggest culprits. Even if your phone isn’t plugged in, the socket is still creating a charge leading to nowhere. You’re paying for nothing.
Turn down your boiler settings to save money on gas. The temperature gauge for your hot water doesn’t need to be set to maximum. The default setting usually provides water that is far hotter than any one person needs it to be. Lower it to a level that accommodates your needs.
Finally, never leave your heating on throughout the day. There is a common misconception that says keeping your radiators at a low heat for longer saves more money. This is a myth. There is a smarter way if you need to heat your home. The timer settings are there to be used. Set your central heating to come on for an hour before you wake up, so that your house is thoroughly warm for you upon rising. Do the same for the time you usually arrive home from work.
Hopefully, these tips help you not only lower your monthly utility bills, but also your carbon footprint. Today, it pays to be mindful of both your expenses and the environment.