15 guides
Guides to lower utility bills
Practical, plain-English guides to the bills that arrive every month. General education; savings depend on your home, climate and rates. We aren't a utility or supplier, and nobody pays us to mention them.
Electricity
Reading your bill, standby power, lighting and rate plans.
- Read your electric bill in five minutes
Find your usage, your rate and the fixed charges you can't change.
- Stop paying for electronics that are "off"
Standby power adds up. A few smart strips fix most of it.
- LED lighting: the easiest switch
Replace the bulbs you use most first.
- Time-of-use rates: worth switching?
Cheaper electricity at some hours, more expensive at others.
Heating and cooling
Thermostats, air leaks, filters and staying cool for less.
- Thermostat settings that save money
A few degrees, at the right times, makes the biggest difference.
- Seal air leaks for a weekend's work
Caulk, weatherstripping and door sweeps pay for themselves.
- Filters and tune-ups: keep heating and cooling efficient
A clean filter and a yearly check keep the system working less hard.
- Stay cool for less in summer
Block the sun, move the air, and cool the room you're in.
Water and appliances
Water heaters, leaks, laundry and dishwashing.
- Turn down the water heater (safely)
120°F is enough for most homes, and saves energy.
- Lower your water bill
Find leaks first, then fit simple fixtures.
- Laundry and dishwashing for less
Cold water, full loads and a clean lint filter.
Bills, plans and help
Budget billing, internet and phone, supplier offers and assistance.
- Budget billing: smooth out the big months
Pay about the same each month instead of huge winter or summer bills.
- Lower your internet and phone bills
Check your speed, your plan and your promotions once a year.
- Energy supplier offers: read before you switch
In some states you can choose a supplier. Check the fine print.
- Help paying utility bills
LIHEAP, weatherization, payment plans and utility programs.