If left unchecked, water, heating, and cooling costs can rack up pretty quick, leaving you staring at a $400+ of utility bills by months end. That's a hard pill to swallow especially if you live in an affordable apartment. Wondering what to do to cut your utility bills?
According to Energy Star, heating and cooling account for nearly 50 percent of all energy an average Canadian household uses. Of course, water heating is paramount too. Keeping that in mind, here are 6 tried and true ways to save on your next utility bill.
#1. Add More Insulation To Your Attic
It's no big secret that most of the heat escapes through the attic. If you don't have enough attic insulation, you're looking at a hefty heating/cooling bill month after month. The good news is that installing more fiberglass insulation can do the trick. This way, you can save 20 percent plus on cooling and heating costs.
#2. Apply Weather Stripping
Just like insulation, weather stripping helps keep warm air inside and cold air outside. You should apply them generously to your windows and doors. After all, weather stripping tape or seal costs as low as $10 from your local hardware store.
#3. Do Your Laundry With Cold Water
Again, a significant amount of money you spend on utilities goes to heating water. That's why you need to make a habit of doing your laundry with cold water rather than warm. Trust us; you will see an immediate change in your electricity bill. Even better, most delicate clothing items need cold water, leading to longer-lasting clothes.
#4. Take Advantage Of A Clothes Line
Is it warm or hot outside? Why not hang your clothes to dry instead of dumping them in the dryer? The dryer is an energy guzzler that can cost you oodles of dollars in utility expenses. If the weather is conducive enough, your clothes will dry as soon as half an hour.
#5. Turn Off Lights and Taps when not in use
Do you know how much water you're wasting when you leave the tap running while brushing your teeth or lathering your hands? While it might prove tough to beat old habits, switching off lights, turning off running taps/faucets, and unplugging equipment when not in use can improve energy savings and reduce utility costs.
#6. Fill Up the Dishwasher
There's a good chance you run your dishwasher when it's half-full. That's a big no-no if you want to save on utility bills. As such, make sure that your dishwasher is full before you run it.
If you are looking to rent a property with the majority of utilities such as heat & water contact Mainstreet Equity. We have a number of affordable apartment rentals in Edmonton, Calgary, Surrey, Abbotsford, New Westminister, Lethbridge, Saskatoon & Regina that include utility costs.