It seemed like every utility bill I received lately—whether for electricity, water, gas, etc.—was higher than the last. My utility bills were absolutely killing my budget, eating into the allocations I had set for other expenses.
I realized this couldn’t continue. Something had to change.
I started by gathering my last six bills from each service and utility, including:
- Gas
- Hydro and Water
- TV, Internet, and Telephone
I conducted my own energy audit and assessment to identify areas where I could target savings and efficiency.
I began by reviewing each bill, comparing it to previous ones, and identifying trends. In most cases, I was paying more each month.
Next, I looked into the reasons behind these increases. I often had to call the utility companies to get detailed explanations, spending close to an hour in some cases going over every detail and line item with them. It’s amazing how many surprises and potential savings you can uncover just by having a thorough conversation.
Then came the application stage: renovating, repairing, and making changes around the house to reduce energy, gas, and water use. This included fixing leaky faucets, adding new insulation, and installing an automated thermostat. By employing all the available resources out there, you can achieve a double-digit reduction in energy use. The internet is full of sites with tips and advice on how to make your home more energy-efficient and save on utility bills.
After making these changes, I took advantage of real-time tracking tools that allow you to monitor your energy use, updated hourly or even by the minute. This helped me perform an energy self-assessment to determine whether the changes I made were translating into real reductions in use and eliminating costly losses.
Once I was done auditing my utility bills, I moved on to my entertainment and communication bills, primarily phone and cable TV. I reviewed all the packages and bundles I had and eliminated a few. I noticed I had many duplicates or features I no longer needed. As our lifestyles and tastes change over time, it’s essential to review your cable and phone packages every year or two to ensure you’re not paying for something you no longer use.
Finally, I sat back and waited for the bills, hoping to see the rewards of my efforts in the form of savings.
If you have any other tips on how you reduced your energy and other home utility bills, please share them in the comments section.