Saving on Housing and Utilities: 21 Practical Tips That Really Work

Utility tariffs continue to rise. There's no escaping utility bills, but you can save significantly by reviewing some habits and installing «smart» equipment.

1. Eliminate Unnecessary Expenses

   The first tip is simple to implement. If you don't need a radio, if you don't watch TV or use a landline phone – consider doing without them. Residents have the right to refuse the intercom, though this may cause some inconvenience.

   
2. Install Water Meters

   Count the number of water pipes in your apartment and buy an equal number of meters. Call specialists who will correctly install the equipment and see how the figures in your bills change.

3. Replace Regular Meters with Multi-Tariff Ones

   Multitier meters for electricity record the time of day. If you come home late and most of your electricity usage is in the evening, it's not worth overpaying for standard tariffs.

4. Use Energy-Saving Light Bulbs

   Energy-saving LED bulbs consume 5–10 times less electricity. The benefit is obvious. They also last longer and don't heat up.

   
5. Install Motion Sensors

   A great find for those who constantly forget to turn off lights. It's a bit expensive, but it pays for itself in no time. By the way, if you have pets, you'll need to lower the sensitivity of the sensors.

6. Choose Appliances of Class A

   This is especially true for refrigerators, which are on 24/7. Of course, such appliances cost more, but Class A and A+ models significantly save on electricity consumption.

   
7. Install Regulating Valves on Radiators

   Sometimes there is more heat in the apartment than needed – especially in autumn or spring when it's warm outside and the heating is running at full power. That’s why you need regulating valves – you can always reduce the temperature and save money.

8. Turn Off Everything You Don’t Use

   Even in sleep mode, a computer consumes electricity. This applies to other appliances too: stoves, kettles, TVs, chargers that someone «forgot» in the socket. You won’t save much, but as they say, great things start small.

   
9. Monitor Plumbing for Leaks

   Even a dripping tap will eventually cost a lot. Call a plumber immediately. The same applies to water leaks from toilets.

10. Install a Single-Handle Mixer

    A single-handle mixer is more economical than a tap with two valves – it allows you to set the temperature and water pressure faster. Another option is to use special water-saving attachments on taps.

11. Follow the American Example

    Don’t wash dishes under a stream of water. Instead, put them in the sink, plug the drain, fill with water, add some detergent, and «soak» them for five to ten minutes. Then drain the water, clean out food residues from the sink, plug the drain again, and rinse the dishes in clean water. In this way, you can save from 50 to 250 liters of water a day and be surprised to find that dishwashing now takes much less time.

    
12. Buy a Dishwasher

    It does require additional electricity, but it saves water beautifully. Especially for those who love to «soak» plates under a stream of hot water.

    
13. Don’t Pay While on Business Trips

    If you have official confirmation of absence (but not less than five days and not more than half a year), you can request a recalculation.

14. Check if You’re on the List of Beneficiaries

    Benefits for utilities are provided to families of military personnel, large families, disabled individuals, and in rural areas – to teachers and doctors.

15. Don’t Skimp on Windows and Insulation

    You should consider this during apartment renovation. Quality windows and thermal insulation compounds under the parquet will help save on heating in winter.

    
16. Install a Water Heater

    It will consume electricity, of course, but the savings on hot water will really surprise you. It's expensive, but worth it.

17. Paint Radiators

    Darker radiators emit more heat, and if you tape foil behind them, it will get even warmer. It's simple and requires minimal financial investment.

    
18. Take Showers Instead of Baths

    Some people calculated that it uses 5 times less water. You can also take a foamy bath once a week.

    
19. Kitchen Hacks

    The diameter of a pot should match the size of the burner – this saves electricity. Experts also recommend boiling water for soup in a kettle, not a pot – it heats up faster.

    
20. Pay Without Fees

    Use online services and special payment systems. It saves not only money but also time. You can pay using a virtual wallet or a bank card.

21. Take Care of Yourself

    Many people don’t even notice how their money slips away: the water constantly running while brushing teeth or shaving, lights on in all rooms, a TV running «for background». Change harmful habits for beneficial ones, and it will positively affect your wallet.

    

Also read:

• Inventions That Help Save Water in the Bathroom
• How Smart Planning Saves Time for Active People
• What You Can Safely Cut Costs During Renovation