How to Pay Less for Utilities and Save in Summer

It seems that due to longer daylight hours and trips on vacation, utility bills should be lower. But in reality, they might even increase. For example, in the heat, you often have to use an air conditioner or take a shower. Our tips will help you avoid unnecessary spending and even save money.

Electricity

Switch to dual-tariff meters

The advantage of these meters is that electricity consumed from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM costs almost twice as little. You can use this opportunity to run your washing or dishwasher machine during this time. Installing dual-tariff meters typically reduces electricity bills by about 25%.

Don't run the air conditioner unnecessarily

Air conditioners typically consume 0.5–1.5 kWh. If you use it daily for several hours, the bill can quickly accumulate. To keep the room cool, it's enough to turn on the air conditioner for an hour so that the air cools down. Doors should remain closed. Windows should not only be shut but also covered with curtains or blinds. Under such conditions, the coolness can last another 2–3 hours. Once the air warms up again, you can turn the air conditioner back on.

You can also think about electricity savings at the purchase stage. Inverter air conditioners are a good choice for this purpose. They are just as powerful as regular units but use 40% less electricity.

Use Curtains for Cooling

Instead of turning on a fan or air conditioner, open the window and drape it with wet curtains. As air passes through them, it cools down and becomes more humid. It's convenient if you have just taken the curtains out of the washing machine.

Choose Storage Water Heaters

During planned hot water outages, you can save money by using a gas stove to heat water in pots. If comfort is more important, it's better to install a boiler and forget about buckets. Instant water heaters heat water instantly but consume a lot of electricity. Storage water heaters are less powerful, thus more economical, but you have to wait for hot water. If you buy a boiler with Wi-Fi control, it will heat the water exactly when you come home from work.

Water

Control Water Usage in the Shower

In summer, you take showers more often. Five such sessions use about 50 liters of water. If the mixer has valves instead of a single-handle regulator, you may waste 10% more water. For savings, install an aerator on the showerhead. By mixing air into the stream, you can save an additional 15% of water. Also, don't forget to turn off the tap while soaping up.

Design: Julia Chernova

Natural Gas

Eat Fresh

Summer is the best time to include more fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet. This saves both time spent cooking and gas if you have meters installed. On the other hand, your body will receive many more vitamins.

During Vacation

Turn Off Unused Supplies

Before traveling, turn off the water and gas pipes. Unplug all electrical appliances that consume electricity even in standby mode. This guarantees nothing will accumulate on your meters.

If the refrigerator is empty, defrost and clean it and also turn it off. Turn off the empty freezer if your refrigerator model allows it. An empty freezer uses twice as much electricity as a full one.

Home Internet, television, or landline phone can also be turned off during your absence. It's best to check this information with your provider.

Design: Alexey Korchinsky

Request a Recalculation

A recalculation is an option for those who don't yet have meters installed, and payments for water, electricity, and gas are calculated based on norms. You can reduce your utility bill if you provide the housing management company with confirmation that you were on vacation.

Recalculation is possible if nobody was home for at least five days. The departure and return dates are not included. Tickets for train or plane can be used as confirmation. If you live on a dacha for several months, get an official letter from the dacha association administration. Submit documents for recalculation no later than 30 days after your return.