5 effective ways to save on utilities in winter

Questions about paying for housing and utility services become especially urgent as winter approaches. There are many ways to reduce these expenses. We've selected the most effective ones.

Method 1: Develop a habit of being more economical at home

Often we overpay due to our own carelessness. First of all, this concerns electric plugs left in sockets. In winter, we start using electric kettles, hair dryers and heaters more frequently, which consume electricity even when not in use. Chargers, computers, and washing machines should also be unplugged from the power grid. 

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If you have an electric stove, use pots that match the size of the burner: otherwise up to 50 percent of electricity is wasted.

Load the washing machine completely and wash clothes in "express wash" mode – this saves both water and electricity.

Regularly check if taps or toilet are leaking and empty the vacuum cleaner bag more often.

Don't forget to turn off the water while brushing teeth. 

Move furniture and refrigerator away from radiators: often there isn't enough heat in the apartment because it accumulates in one place, while the refrigerator compressor has to work harder near a hot neighbor.

By the way, did you know that radiators painted in dark colors and foil screens behind them help heat your home more efficiently? Take a note!

Method 2: Retain heat in your apartment

Winter is the time when nothing matters more than warmth in the house. However, up to 50 percent of heat escapes from the apartment through wall defects and gaps in windows. That's why regular use of heaters leads to excessive electricity bills. 

Approach this issue seriously: replace windows and doors, insulate the building. If you don't have the opportunity for that yet, run your hand along areas where drafts might occur and seal gaps. Use construction foam, sealants or self-adhesive tape for this purpose.

Method 3: Don't pay for services you don't use

Carefully review each item in your bill, and you'll probably find that in some services you need them no more than once a month or twice, and for others you're paying for nothing at all.

For example, mobile phone service is now available to every schoolchild, and in many apartments city phones just collect dust on shelves due to being unnecessary. TV programs are increasingly watched online, and radiotransmitters installed in all apartments except new buildings – are just relics of the past. Cancel unnecessary "options" and your bills will drop significantly. 

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Method 4: Use devices that help manage resources efficiently

Use only energy-saving light bulbs. The closer winter comes, the shorter daylight becomes, and the more often we use artificial lighting. Therefore, in rooms where lights are on for long periods, replace incandescent bulbs with energy-saving ones. The latter last longer and save three times more electricity than regular bulbs. This change pays off within half a year.

Install meters for gas and water, and replace single-rate electricity meters with multi-tariff ones. With them, the cost of consumed kilowatt-hours depends on time of day. For example, if you're a night owl and accustomed to working at night, energy consumption will be 3–4 times lower compared to a standard tariff. 

Install mixers with built-in thermostats in the bathroom, if you don't want to give up the small pleasure of warming up in a hot bath after winter walks. This allows you not to waste liters of water before adjusting the desired body temperature. It's enough to set the values once on the device, and the mixer will release water at the desired temperature. 

Install thermostatic heads on radiators. They work similarly to thermostatic mixers, allowing you to regulate radiator temperature and save up to 20 percent of thermal energy. 

Method 5: Know your rights

Check whether you qualify for subsidies to pay utility bills. To do this, visit your local social protection office. 

Don't pay for utilities while on vacation. Also remember that if you have documented proof of absence from home for at least five calendar days, you're entitled to a recalculation for housing and utility services during that period. You can also request a recalculation if you believe the services were provided poorly.

Avoid paying commission fees. This applies not only to late utility payments but also to fees charged by various banks for their services.

Read also:

• How to reduce water consumption and save money: 8 proven methods
  
• How to save on electricity bills: 13 simple rules
  
• 6 ways to pay utility bills: pros and cons