With inflation rising for two consecutive months, many households are feeling the pinch. Soaring petrol prices have forced around half of Americans to cut back on household expenses, but utility bills could offer room for savings.
Utility costs are projected to rise by 8 percent this summer, according to Patrick Gambel, owner of General Heating & Air Conditioning in New Orleans. He notes that electricity often holds the greatest potential for savings, primarily due to air conditioning and heating systems. “Your HVAC system is one of the biggest things using energy in your house, especially during the summer when the AC is running almost all day,” Gambel said.
Simple changes can make a difference. The average American spends 16.1 minutes in the shower, using about 32 gallons of water at a cost of around 70 cents per shower, according to a Harris poll. Reducing shower time to four minutes could save a four-person household about $60 a month. Other tips include filling bathtubs with less water and not letting taps run unnecessarily while brushing teeth or washing dishes.
Hot water usage also impacts gas bills, which are up 3 percent year-on-year. Gambel advises being mindful of hot water and heat use. Smart thermostats can save up to 8 percent on energy bills, translating to roughly $13 monthly savings based on the average May electricity bill of $163. For those without smart thermostats, setting a traditional thermostat to “Auto” and changing AC filters monthly improves efficiency.
For unconventional savings, Gambel suggests placing a bucket of ice under a fan in smaller rooms to circulate cooler air. “It’s obviously not replacing your AC system, but it can help make a space feel cooler and help you feel more comfortable temporarily,” he said.
