Stop wasting money on utilities—these 11 hacks will slash your bills.
Utility bills have a way of creeping up, draining your bank account little by little. One month, it’s a surprise spike in electricity. The next, your water bill makes zero sense. It feels like no matter what you do, you’re stuck paying more than you should. Most people are throwing money away every single month without realizing it.
The good news is that cutting your utility bills doesn’t mean suffering through freezing showers or living in the dark. With a few smart (and easy) adjustments, you can shrink those costs without sacrificing comfort.
These hacks will help you save hundreds each year—without turning your home into a survivalist bunker.
1. Stop overpaying for hot water—it’s draining your wallet.
Your water heater is silently guzzling energy all day long, even when you’re not using hot water. Most are set at 140°F by default, which is unnecessary and expensive. Lowering it to 120°F can cut energy costs by up to 10% without making a noticeable difference in your showers or dishwashing.
Another easy fix? Insulate your water heater and pipes. This helps water stay hot longer, meaning your system won’t have to work as hard, according to US Dept of Energy. And if you really want to maximize savings, switch to a tankless water heater. It only heats water when you need it, instead of keeping a giant tank warm 24/7.
2. Unplug sneaky energy vampires that add up fast.
Your phone charger, coffee maker, and even that TV you never watch are sucking up power all day, even when they’re off. These “energy vampires” can make up 10% of your total electricity bill, as stated by the writers at Chariot Energy. Leaving everything plugged in might be convenient, but it’s also slowly draining your wallet.
Use power strips to make unplugging easier, especially for things like entertainment centers and kitchen appliances. Even better? Get a smart power strip that automatically cuts off electricity when devices aren’t in use. Small changes like this add up over time, saving you money without requiring any extra effort.
3. Switch to LED bulbs and stop burning through cash.
If you’re still using incandescent bulbs, you’re basically paying extra to light your home. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy and last years longer, meaning fewer replacements and lower electricity bills, as reported by Joe Weber of Batteries Plus.
While LEDs cost a little more upfront, they quickly pay for themselves in savings. Start by swapping out the bulbs in the most-used areas, like your kitchen and living room. Once you see the difference, you’ll never go back to wasting money on outdated bulbs again.
4. Adjust your thermostat and watch the savings roll in.
Every degree matters when it comes to heating and cooling. In the winter, lowering your thermostat by just 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day can cut your heating bill by 10%. In the summer, setting it a few degrees higher while you’re away can do the same for cooling costs.
A smart thermostat makes this effortless by learning your habits and adjusting the temperature automatically. If you’re still manually adjusting the dial, you’re missing out on major savings. A simple schedule tweak can make a huge difference without sacrificing comfort.
5. Wash your clothes the right way and cut your energy use in half.
Most of the energy used in a washing machine goes toward heating water. Switching to cold water washes can slash that cost instantly, and modern detergents are designed to work just as well without hot water.
While you’re at it, make sure you’re running full loads. Half-full loads waste water and electricity, but a packed machine cleans just as efficiently. And when possible, ditch the dryer and air-dry your clothes—it’s free, better for your clothes, and keeps your home cooler in the summer.
6. Seal up drafts and stop paying to heat (or cool) the outdoors.
If your home isn’t properly sealed, you’re literally throwing money out the window. Drafty doors, windows, and even small cracks in walls let heated or cooled air escape, forcing your HVAC system to work harder.
Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows to stop air leaks, and check for gaps around pipes, vents, and electrical outlets. If your home is particularly old, adding insulation in the attic or walls can lead to even bigger savings. The less air that escapes, the less you’ll spend on keeping your home comfortable.
7. Use ceiling fans the right way and save on heating and cooling.
Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer—they can also make your home feel warmer in winter if used correctly. In warmer months, fans should spin counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze. In winter, reverse them to push warm air back down into the room, reducing the need for extra heating.
Running a ceiling fan costs just pennies per hour, compared to the dollars spent on blasting AC or heat. Even better, using a fan can let you raise or lower your thermostat a few degrees without noticing a difference in comfort. That’s instant, effortless savings.
8. Be smart about water usage and stop flushing money away.
A few simple tweaks to your daily habits can dramatically cut your water bill. Swapping your old showerhead for a low-flow version can save thousands of gallons per year, and installing faucet aerators reduces water use without affecting pressure.
Toilets are another major water waster—older models use up to five gallons per flush. Upgrading to a water-efficient toilet or simply placing a weighted bottle in the tank can save a surprising amount over time. The best part? You won’t even notice the difference, but your water bill definitely will.
9. Take advantage of off-peak energy rates for big savings.
Many utility companies charge higher rates during peak hours—usually in the late afternoon and early evening when everyone is using electricity. Running your dishwasher, doing laundry, or charging electronics during these times means you’re paying more than necessary.
Find out when your local off-peak hours are and shift energy-heavy activities to those times. Some utilities even offer discounted plans for people willing to adjust their habits. A simple change in routine could lower your bill without requiring any real effort.
10. Get rid of that outdated fridge that’s costing you extra.
Older refrigerators are one of the biggest energy hogs in your home. If yours is more than 10 years old, it could be using twice as much electricity as a modern energy-efficient model. That means you’re paying extra every month just to keep it running.
If replacing it isn’t an option right now, make sure it’s set at the optimal temperature (35-38°F for the fridge, 0°F for the freezer), and keep it well-organized so air can circulate properly. Regularly cleaning the coils can also improve efficiency and save a little extra cash.
11. Negotiate your utility rates—yes, it’s possible.
Many people don’t realize that some utility rates, especially for internet and cable, aren’t set in stone. Providers often offer discounts to retain customers, but they won’t tell you unless you ask.
Call your internet, gas, or electricity provider and ask about lower-rate plans, promotions, or discounts. If they won’t budge, mention a competitor’s pricing—you might be surprised how quickly they’re willing to offer a deal. A five-minute phone call could end up saving you hundreds over the course of the year.