5 Easy Ways to Save Money on Utilities This Summer

It can be so easy to spend "an arm and a leg" on household utilities if you aren't paying close attention to how much electricity you use. It takes a lot of energy to run a house! Fortunately, there's quite a lot you can do to reduce how much you spend on those monthly bills. All it takes is a tiny bit of effort.

When working to save money on utilities, remember:

You can accomplish a lot if you open your eyes and slow things down. Attention to detail is your greatest asset.
The earth is your friend! Take advantage of the natural heat, light and fresh air it provides during the day.
There are lots of great resources out there. Free up some space on your phone for an app or two that will help you in your energy saving efforts.

Ready to get started? Here are five easy ways you can save money on your utility bills this summer.

1. Take advantage of "off-peak" or "night" rates

Off-peak hours are the best time to use electricity, as this is the time energy consumption rates are the lowest. Pricing will be lower than the basic service price between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., so run your laundry and dishwasher then.

2. Unplug electronics when you aren't using them

This takes a lot of practice (trust us, we get it), but it's a great habit to get into! In particular, look out for:

Laptops and desktop computers
Daily-use appliances like your toaster and coffee maker
Table lamps and box fans
Phone chargers
Baby monitors (if they hold charge)

3. Install a programmable thermostat

If you haven't done this already, now is a great time to get a programmable thermostat. These devices carefully manage heating and cooling devices in your home by using only the energy required, then turning off when the place reaches a comfortable temperature.

Here are a few favorites. Some of these even pair with your smartphone!

4. Get creative with light bulbs

There are a lot of things you can do to save money by altering the ways you use lightbulbs in the house (or switching them out altogether). Here are a few ideas:

Replace light bulbs with compact florescent lights (CFLs) and LEDs.
Take out some of the bulbs in large fixtures or rooms with multiple lights on one switch.
Remove the lightbulb from your microwave, garage door (or fridge if you're brave).

5. Keep things old-school

If your goal is to save money (really save money), you might want to think about letting go of a few modern conveniences. It can make a big difference! (Don't worry, you won't have to take any cold showers.)