BusinessHABAtmosenergy: If you’re looking for ways to save money on your utility bills, you’re not alone. Low interest rates and rising costs of living have left most Americans feeling the pinch. Fortunately, there are many ways to cut your monthly expenses without sacrificing quality of life or comfort.
Many people don’t realize that they pay monthly fees for their utilities even when they have an energy provider who offers them at a fixed rate. Naturally, this makes it tempting for some to switch providers in search of a lower bill.
Atmos Energy is one of the top rated electric companies because we take great care in maintaining our infrastructure and making sure our customers are satisfied with their services and rates. This article covers everything you need to know about saving money on your Atmos bills while still getting the service you require.
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Atmos Energy: 5 Tips for Saving Money on Your Utility Bills
Do you own your home or rent it? If you’re renting, are you locked into a fixed-term lease that requires you to pay high fees every month? Either way, the cost of housing is going up in many cities. In fact, rents rose on average by 2.6 percent in February. For renters especially, this can pose a serious financial challenge. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your monthly utilities bill under control and even save money in the long run. In this article, we outline five tips for saving money on your utility bills:
Set your thermostat to boost savings
If you set your thermostat to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (or lower), you could actually save money on your utility bill. Why? Because higher temperatures use more energy, as refrigerators and freezers kick into high gear to keep your food and other items cool. Lower the temperature at night, and your energy usage will be significantly reduced. You can also set your thermostat at the same time each day so your house doesn’t heat up or cool down while you’re at work. During the winter months, you can use a space heater to keep your home at a more moderate temperature. If you live in a warmer climate, you might want to consider turning off your air conditioning when you aren’t using it.
Lock in low rates for years
If you own your home, consider locking in a low rate for years. This could maximize your savings and help shelter you from future rate increases. To lock in a low rate, you’ll need to sign up for a third-party mortgage lock service. Alternatively, you can also use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to lock in a fixed rate, so long as you keep the HELOC open and in good standing. With either option, you’ll need to pay off at least a portion of your mortgage or HELOC before you can lock in a low rate. Once you do, your lender will be less likely to increase your rate. In addition, you’ll stay protected from rising interest rates. Over the long term, locking in a lower rate could save you hundreds of dollars a year in mortgage payments.
Switch to energy-efficient appliances
If you have a newer refrigerator, dishwasher, or other large appliance, try switching to an energy-efficient model. Energy-efficient models use up to 30 percent less electricity than standard models, significantly boosting your savings. You can also install a smart thermostat, which automatically adjusts your appliance’s settings to save energy. Finally, unplug any appliances when not in use or recharge them when you’re not using them. Doing so will help your appliances and home use less energy, boosting your monthly savings. You can also install LED bulbs, which have become increasingly affordable in recent years. Not only will they cut your bills, they’ll also help you save energy.
Stick to cloudy days
If you can, try to schedule your showers and other large water usage for the morning or evening, when your bill will be lower. Likewise, try to limit your water usage when it’s not needed. When it’s not needed, your water meter records how much you’ve used, and this bill is credited on your next bill. If you use too much water when it’s not needed, you’ll end up with a higher bill. To keep your water bill as low as possible, try to stay above the normal amount on your current bill. If you need to reduce your water usage, you can also consider using a water saver showerhead instead of a full-flow model.
Negotiate with your utility company
If you have a high energy-usage appliance, you can negotiate a rate reduction with your utility company. For example, if you have an air conditioner, you can call your utility company and see if they’ll reduce your annual usage. Depending on the state you live in, you may be able to reduce your annual usage to help lower your bill. In some cases, you can also receive a financial rebate for installing a more energy-efficient model. Similarly, if you can reduce your water usage, you may be able to reduce your bill.
Bottom line
If you want to save money on your utility bills, there are many ways to do so. Lowering your thermostat and switching to energy-efficient appliances can help reduce your energy usage. You can also lock in low rates for years, switch to cloudy days, and reduce your water usage. If you have a high energy-usage appliance, you can negotiate a rate reduction and reduce your annual usage. These seven tips are sure to help you save money on your utility bills.
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