Summer is right around the corner, which means soon you’ll be dealing with higher electric bills in an effort to stay cool indoors. It’s no secret that there are ways you can cut back on electricity. We’ve all used these hacks before whether it’s unplugging your electronics or using natural sunlight.
That said, if you’re looking for unique ways to save on your water utilities this summer, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some water-related ways to cut back on your energy use this season.
Use dryer balls to cut down on drying time
Your washing machine may only take 30 to 35 minutes to wash your clothes, but your dryer can take an hour or more to dry them. Depending on how energy-efficient your appliances are, this lengthy drying time can quickly put a dent in your budget.
Dryer balls, which are a set of balls made from wool or spiky plastic, are a great way to cut drying time by up to 25%. It’s awesome for cutting back on energy use and chore time. Even better, you can even make your own dryer balls out of felting wool yarn.
Wash your clothes in cold water
Unless you’re disinfecting your clothes, it’s recommended that you wash your clothes in cold water. This helps save on energy and boosts the life of your water heater, which typically has a life expectancy of 20 years. Cold water also helps your clothes retain their color and vibrancy. To save even more on your water bill, be sure to wash clothes on a full load rather than washing in multiple smaller loads.
Adjust your water heater temperature
According to the Department of Energy, the default temperature for water heaters is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature can waste anywhere between $36 to $61 annually in standby heat loss and $400 annually in demand losses. If you use natural gas, which is the second most-consumed energy source, you could be wasting even more money. Lowering your water heater temperature down to 120 degrees is fine for the majority of the population, the DOE says.
Run your appliances at night
Utility companies have been known to increase their rates during the day, especially during the summer months when you’re running your AC. To help cut costs, consider doing certain chores when the sun goes down like laundry or running your dishwasher.
Make the most of your dishwasher
Speaking of dishwashers, it’s in your best interest to use yours if you have one. This might sound like a no-brainer, but some folks prefer to hand wash their dishes to make sure all that food and grime are completely off their plates.
Surprisingly, dishwashers actually do a better job of sanitizing your dishes than you’d think. Used correctly, dishwashers can also help to conserve more water, which is more eco-friendly as only 1% of the planet’s water is suitable for drinking. Just make sure that you’re washing full loads of dishes to make the most out of your dishwasher.
With summer on the horizon, now is the best time to look into how to save on utilities rather than later when your electric and water bill are skyrocketing. By following the tips above, you can help cut costs around your home this season.
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