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How To Reduce Utility Bills as a Senior

6 min read

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by MedBox Staff

Senior couple contemplating on how to reduce utility bills

Managing monthly expenses can feel overwhelming, especially when utility bills increase each month and you are on a fixed income. For some seniors, the concern isn’t just about rising costs but also the fear that cutting back on energy use might compromise their comfort. 

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The good news is that managing your energy use does not mean sacrificing your convenience or lifestyle. By making small, practical adjustments around your home, you can cut down on utility costs. 

This guide provides practical tips to help you lower your utility bills, save money, and improve your home’s energy efficiency.

How To Reduce Utility Bills: Simple Ways To Save Money

Your utility bill covers electricity, water, and gas. So, the first step to lowering your bill is to know where all your money is currently going. Once you know the areas that increase your bills the most, you can apply the following tips below to reduce your utility costs: 

Electricity 

1. Turn Off the Lights and Disconnect Appliances 

If you’re leaving a room or going out for any enjoyable activities, always turn off the lights. You should also unplug all appliances and electronics, like TVs, phones, or microwaves when you’re not using them. When you leave them plugged in, you’re consuming energy, and this can increase your electricity bill. 

You can buy a power strip and connect all your appliances to it. The power strip lets you cut power to all your devices at once using a button or switch. This way, you can forgo the hassle of unplugging each appliance one by one. 

2. Use LED Lights 

Did you know that lighting takes up 15% of the average home’s energy use? That’s why you should replace your incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs. They use less energy and also last longer. Meanwhile, during the day, you can switch off your lights and use natural light from your window. This small change can save you a lot of money on your electricity bill. 

3. Replace Old Appliances

As a senior, you probably have appliances that you got decades ago. Most of these appliances are not ENERGY STAR certified. This means they use a lot more energy, which can increase your utility bill. So, it might be time to change that old washing machine, refrigerator, or air-conditioner to an ENERGY STAR certified version. Although this will incur a one-time cost, you will save money on energy bills over many years.

4. Take Advantage of Senior Discounts

Some seniors understandably face financial challenges. Fortunately, some utility providers offer rate reductions for seniors. If you’re over 65 and living on a low income, you might qualify. You can ask your utility provider if they offer senior discounts and check your eligibility. You can also apply to institutions like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to access financial assistance on household energy costs. 

Water

1. Repair Any Water Leaks

Damaged pipe with leaking water on grey background

Leaks, no matter how little, can increase your water bills over time. Check for any leaks in the toilets, faucets, or pipes. Once you detect any leaks, ensure you get them fixed. By doing so, you are reducing water wastage and saving thousands of gallons per year. Fixing leaks in your home can help you save up to 10%  on your water bills. 

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2. Use Low-Flow Showerheads and Faucets

Low-flow showerheads and faucets help reduce your water use. They are water-efficient, meaning they use less water but still have good pressure. This reduced water usage lowers your bill and can help you save up to 2,700 gallons of water every year. When buying a low-flow showerhead or faucet, make sure it has a WaterSense label. This label indicates that it meets the standards recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

3. Use the Washing Machine and Dishwasher on a Full Load 

Managing water doesn’t mean you can’t do the dishes or laundry. However, you should perform these activities on a full load. This means you should run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full. Doing this will help you save money on electricity and water. As we recommended earlier, you should also invest in an ENERGY STAR-certified washing machine and dishwasher, as they use less water and consume less electricity. 

4. Turn Down the Water Heater 

Most water heaters come with a default setting of 140ºF. Leaving it at this setting means your water heater will lose heat into the surrounding area. However, lowering the temperature to about 120ºF helps you reduce your energy bill by up to 22% annually. 

Heating and Cooling 

1. Use a Programmable Thermostat

Sometimes, you might forget to adjust the settings of your thermostat. This happens a lot when you’re going to bed or heading out. A programmable thermostat saves you the stress of manually adjusting your home’s temperature. The temperature of your home automatically changes according to your schedule. With a programmable thermostat, you can save up to 8% on your heating and cooling bills. 

2. Use Fans Instead of the Air Conditioner (AC)

Did you know you can run your fan all day and still use less energy than if you turned on the AC for just 15 minutes? Fans consume less energy than ACs, and they still help to keep you cool. During the winter, position the fan to rotate clockwise. This direction pushes the warm air from your ceiling back down into your room. It will help you feel warmer without increasing the temperature on your thermostat. 

3. Service your HVAC System Regularly

You can increase your energy bills if you don’t clean your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system regularly. Allowing your HVAC system to clog makes it work harder and less efficiently. The system also breaks down faster, and the dirt can produce poor air quality. That is why you should change your air filter regularly. Doing this every 3 months is a good idea, but you should check the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm the exact frequency. It’s also advisable to have a technician inspect your HVAC system annually. 

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4. Close the Blinds and Draw the Curtains

Closing your blinds and drawing your curtains can limit heat from entering through your windows. When your home is cool, you won’t have to use air conditioning as often. This reduces your energy cost. Meanwhile, check for air leaks around your windows, doors, and floor. Depending on the weather, they can allow both hot and cold air into your home. If you notice any leaks, you can seal it up with caulk or spray foam. 

Conclusion 

You don’t have to become uncomfortable in your home while exploring how to reduce utility bills. You just have to make some adjustments to lower energy use. As you incorporate these tips on how to reduce utility bills, you should see a noticeable difference in your bills over time.

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