How to Save Money on Utility Bills: 12 Proven Strategies

Your home should be your comfort zone – not a place where money quietly drains away through the walls, the windows and the gadgets on standby.

Utility bills are one of the smartest places to save, because most of the best fixes are one-time changes. Do them once, and they keep paying you back every single month, season after season.

The cheapest energy is the energy you never waste.

Where the money goes

Heating and cooling, hot water and appliances usually make up the biggest share of a typical utility bill. Add in drafty doors, leaky faucets and electronics that never truly switch off, and it is easy to see how costs creep up without anyone noticing.

Three easy places to start

• Let your thermostat work smarter. A programmable or smart thermostat can ease off heating and cooling while you sleep or are away – without sacrificing comfort when you are home.
• Seal the leaks. Inexpensive weatherstripping around doors and windows helps keep the air you pay to heat or cool inside where it belongs.
• Switch off the invisible drain. Devices on standby still use power. Smart power strips make it effortless to cut it off completely.

Comfort and savings can go together

Saving on utilities is not about sitting in the dark or shivering through winter. It is about getting the same comfort for less – and feeling good knowing you are not paying for waste.

See all 12 strategies

Our complete guide covers twelve proven strategies, from lowering your water heater temperature to finding rebates and assistance programs in your area.

Want help lowering your bills?

Frugal Haven can review your utility costs and point you to the changes that will make the biggest difference.

This article provides general information only. Programs and rates vary by location and utility.