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Going broke? If you're one of those people who's left with little money after paying off those utility bills, or believe you have room for improvement; here are some simple tips to help you save up money.

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EditSteps

  1. Save on Utility Bills with DIY Methods Step 1.jpg
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    Think of ways to lower your bills. If your utility bill is out of control, you need to consider ways to tame the beast. There are plenty of do-it-yourself ways to save on utilities. For example, to reduce water usage, you may install a low-flow or water saver shower head.
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  2. Save on Utility Bills with DIY Methods Step 2.jpg
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    Search for leaks and drafts. Leaks and drafts from the interior of your home to the exterior can easily double your utility bill. Some obvious areas to check are windows, doors and door frames, fireplaces, and entrances to attics. Other spots to check include dryer vents, electric outlets, mail slots, pipes, spaces around baseboards, and gaps around air conditioners. If you find gaps, caulking can often take care of the problem.
  3. Save on Utility Bills with DIY Methods Step 3.jpg
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    Check your walls for possible holes. Check walls for holes that may be letting out hot or cold air. Common areas for wall holes are closets and the area behind doors where the knob may have punched a hole. Once located, determine if the area around the hole is filled with insulation, as well as the R-value of your insulation. Compare it to recommended R-values for your area. You can then patch the area, reducing air leaks. If all else fails, have a thermal inspection done by a professional.
  4. Save on Utility Bills with DIY Methods Step 4.jpg
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    Re-insulate your home. Although not always necessary, having adequate insulation will reduce heating and cooling bills.
  5. Save on Utility Bills with DIY Methods Step 5.jpg
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    Turn off the lights. If they do not need to be on then they are wasting electricity. Better yet, switch to fluorescent lights or best of all LED or Cree lights, as they eat up less power and are more environmentally friendly in general. If you've done this, then well done.
  6. Save on Utility Bills with DIY Methods Step 6.jpg
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    Upgrade your appliances. Go ahead and spend a little more to get an energy efficient appliance; it will pay for itself in less time than you may think.
  7. Save on Utility Bills with DIY Methods Step 7.jpg
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    Put your electronics on a surge/power strip. Shut the power off when not in use. Many electronics--computers, televisions, phone chargers, etc.--use power even when they are turned off.
  8. Save on Utility Bills with DIY Methods Step 8.jpg
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    Use curtains to help heat and cool. To save on cooling costs in the summer, close your curtains during the day to keep out the sun; conversely, open the curtains in winter to let the sun shine in, and make use of passive solar energy to help heat your home.

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EditTips

  • use natural daylight as long as you can, don't turn on the light when you can still work with the natural daylight.
  • try to take short showers, it will save up on the water and it is environmentally friendly too
  • fill up the washing machine. Don't just wash a shirt here and a skirt there unless you really need it. Always try to wash with a full load.
  • go green, recycle
  • prevention is key -- fix a leakage as soon as possible, don't let it destroy more; clean up that water on your wooden floor before it penetrates and destroys the floor, etc.
  • you don't have to be a carpenter. Getting a bit of professional help can go a long way.
  • don't let the water run when you brush your teeth. Turn it off and on again. It's simple. When you turn it off, make sure it doesn't drip. If you've turned it off properly and it drips, fix it.
  • repaint your house every 2-5 years depending on the quality of the paint and the climate of the environment you live in.
  • Try using a fan instead of the air conditioner.
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EditWarnings

  • especially when it comes to electricity, don't try to save up on money by doing it yourself unless you really know what you're doing.

EditRelated wikiHows

How to
Make Your Own Electricity

Article Info

Categories: Efficient Energy Use

Recent edits by: Kenneth KEEN, Flickety, Halcyon~Spirit

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