How to Pay Less for Utilities and Save Money in Summer

It seems that due to longer daylight hours and vacation trips, utility bills should be lower. But in reality, they might even increase. For example, during hot weather, you often use air conditioning or take showers. Our tips will help you avoid unnecessary spending and even save money.

Electricity

Switch to dual-tariff meters

The benefit of such meters is that you pay almost twice less for electricity consumed from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. You can use this opportunity by running your washing or dishwasher machine during these hours. Installing dual-tariff meters generally reduces electricity bills by about 25%.

Don't run the air conditioner unnecessarily

Air conditioners typically consume 0.5–1.5 kWh per hour. If used daily for several hours, the bill can quickly grow. To maintain a cool room, it's enough to turn on the air conditioner for one 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 2–3 more hours. Once the air warms up again, you can turn the air conditioner back on.

You can think about electricity savings even at the stage of purchasing an air conditioner. For this, inverter models are suitable. They are just as powerful as regular units but use 40% less electricity.

Use Curtains to Cool Down

Instead of turning on a fan or air conditioner, open the window and drape it with wet curtains. As air passes through them, it gets cooled and slightly humidified. It's convenient if you've just taken the curtains out of the washing machine.

Choose Storage Water Heaters

During planned hot water outages, you can use a gas stove to heat water in pots for savings. If comfort is more important, installing a boiler and forgetting about buckets is a good idea. Instant water heaters heat the water quickly but consume a lot of electricity. Storage water heaters are less powerful and 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 return from work.

Water

Control Water Usage in the Shower

During summer, you take showers more often. Five such procedures consume about 50 liters of water. If the mixer has valves instead of a single-handle regulator, you may waste 10% more water. To save water, install an aerator on the showerhead. By mixing air into the stream, you can save another 15%. Also, don’t forget to turn off the tap while lathering.

Design: Julia Chernova

Natural Gas

Eat Fresh

Summer is the perfect time to include more fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet. This saves both time and gas if you have meters installed. At the same time, it boosts vitamin intake in your body.

During Vacation

Shut Off Unused Supplies

Before traveling, shut off water and gas pipes. Unplug all electrical appliances that still consume electricity in standby mode. This way, you ensure nothing gets charged to your meters.

If the refrigerator is empty, defrost and clean it and also switch it off. If your model allows, turn off the empty freezer as well. A freezer in standby mode uses twice as much electricity as a full one.

Home Internet, TV, 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

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 proof that you were on vacation.

Recalculation is possible if no one was home for at least five days. The day of departure and the day of return are not included in this period. Tickets for train or plane can serve as confirmation. If you live on a dacha for several months, get a certificate from the dacha association administration. Submit documents for recalculation no later than 30 days after your return.