Your rent may be fixed, but you can control how hard your utilities hit your wallet every month.
- Switch light bulbs
Using compact fluorescent light bulbs that use up to 90 percent less energy can save you $45 a year and give you a better light. Traditional bulbs have a lifetime between 750-1,000 hours compared to 6,000-15,000 hours for a fluorescent. - Install low-flow water fixtures. You don’t have to sacrifice water pressure to save money. Installing fixtures on your faucets and shower heads can save you up to $130 per year by cutting back 60 percent on water usage.
- Use fans instead of air conditioning Fans use far less energy and give a background noise whether you’re working or playing. You can’t always replace air conditioning with fans, but they can save you up to $240 per year.
- Adjust your water heater temperature Water heater’s default is 140 degrees. You can save up to $61 per year by dropping the temperature to 120 degrees.
- Unplug appliances when you don’t use them Electricity runs continuously to your devices when they are plugged in. You can save up to $84 per year just by unplugging items before you leave home.