8 Ways to Spend Less on Utilities

Want to save money on utilities, especially in winter when electricity and heating bills rise rapidly? We've gathered several useful tips to help you spend less on light, heat, and water.

Use Energy-Saving Light Bulbs

In winter, you use artificial lighting more frequently and for longer periods. Replace all light bulbs in your home with energy-saving ones. They cost more than regular incandescent bulbs, but last much longer—up to eight years—and they save electricity.

Spot Lighting Instead of Chandeliers

Several spotlights use much less electricity than one chandelier. Plan the lighting in your rooms wisely, and install table lamps, wall sconces, and night lights in key areas of the room.

Install Multi-Tariff Meters

If you're rarely home during the day and mainly use electrical appliances between 11 PM and 7 AM, a multi-tariff meter is essential. It calculates the cost of electricity based on time of day. Night-time electricity costs 3–4 times less than daytime rates, so the savings are obvious.

Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

When choosing refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances, pay attention to their energy efficiency class. The most economical electric appliances that help avoid overconsumption are classified as Class A, A+, and A++.

Adjust Radiator Temperature

Install thermostatic heads on radiators to regulate the heat output based on the outside temperature. In winter, there are often warm spells, and it’s not necessary to heat the room unnecessarily. Lower the temperature by at least two degrees, and it will clearly impact your heating bills.

Try this life hack: place reflective foil behind radiators to direct heat into the room instead of toward cold walls.

Wash Clothes in Express Mode

To save both water and electricity, load the washing machine to maximum capacity and select the fastest program when possible. The same applies to dishwashers: don’t run them until they’re full. Doing so halves the water and electricity usage.

Install Induction Cooktops

Induction stoves are much more energy-efficient than regular electric stoves because they heat the cookware directly, not the stove top or surrounding air. You can boil two liters of water in just a few minutes without wasting heat.

If you have an electric stove, to save kilowatts, turn it off five minutes before finishing cooking. Always use pots and pans that match the size of your burners; otherwise, up to 50% of electricity is wasted.

It’s logical that the faster the cookware heats up, the less energy is used. Therefore, it's better to use glass or ceramic cookware instead of steel or cast iron.

Prevent Heat Loss

Check your front door and windows for gaps. Even plastic double-glazed windows can lose their seal over time—the gaskets harden, and the mounting foam dries out. Find where drafts come through and seal the gaps with sealant or self-adhesive tape.

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