5 Quick & Easy Ways to Lower Your Utility Bills

With financial security at the forefront of every Aurora homeowner’s mind, you may be looking for ways that you can cut down on costs. From controlling your online shopping to eating home-cooked meals on a budget, there are many easy ways to make sure that your dollar goes further and lasts longer. One easy way to cut costs is to make small lifestyle changes that could lower your utility bills. Having lower bills each month will help you save more money and give you some additional peace of mind. Here are five quick and easy ways that you can lower your home’s utility bills, from the HOA community management experts at The Management Trust.

1. Replace your light bulbs

One of the first steps many homeowners take toward being more energy efficient is replacing their light bulbs. Exchanging traditional light bulbs for compact fluorescent or LED bulbs will decrease your energy use, making your home more environmentally friendly and saving you hundreds of dollars every year. Compact fluorescent bulbs use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they last up to 10 times longer. It’s estimated that this difference can save you anywhere from $75 to $200 per year, depending on the size of your home.

2. Seal off any drafts

Another way to lower your utility bills is to make your heater’s job as easy as possible. The more efficiently your HVAC system functions, the less you will spend on your utility bills. By sealing off any exterior drafts from doors, windows, and outlets, you can keep the temperature in your home more regulated and your HVAC system won’t need to work as hard to maintain it. This translates to significant savings on your utility bill at the end of the month, so it’s worth the investment in a bottle of caulk.

3. Replace your air filter regularly

Similarly, your HVAC system can also be kept more efficient if you replace the air filter regularly. Most homes should replace their air filter every month, but this can vary depending on the size of your unit and the conditions of your home. Keep an eye on your air filter, and replace it whenever you notice it getting visibly dirty and clogged. Keeping a dirty air filter for too long is another way to force your HVAC system to run inefficiently, which will increase your energy bill as a result.

4. Use a programmable thermostat

Heating and cooling is often the largest expense of any home, and you’ll likely notice the biggest fluctuations in your utility bill as the seasons change and you use your AC or heater significantly more. One way to keep your energy use under control and under budget is to invest in a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature to automatically change depending on the time of day. This means that you can turn your system off or set it to a more relaxed temperature when the house is empty or everyone is asleep. It will also help to prevent you from making manual changes that may disrupt your system’s efficiency and cause it to work harder. Setting your thermostat to more cost-effective levels will save you money and help make your time at home more comfortable. 

5. Fix any leaks

Another source of utility bill spikes is plumbing leaks. A single leaky faucet that drips once per second can cost you an additional $54 per year, on average. A burst pipe can cost you $230 a day! In order to ensure that you’re not flushing any money down the drain, have a plumber inspect your home’s plumbing system and repair any leaks. Leaks can be as obvious as a dripping faucet, but they can also be hidden in pipes under sinks or behind walls. Having your home checked for plumbing issues and fixing any sources of leaks will help you save significant money on your utility bills each year.

If your Aurora neighborhood has HOA community management from The Management Trust, you can get your home running efficiently and cost-effectively with the help of our Trust 360 program. This program serves to lessen the frustrations that come with being a homeowner by assisting you with the nagging to-do list of maintenance and repair services that are so regularly needed. Whether you need plumbing assistance, AC maintenance, or a general handyman, our Trust 360 program will help you get the job done and show you what excellent HOA community management is all about. For more information about our community association management services or the Trust 360 program, give us a call today at (303) 750-0994.