How to Pay Less for Utilities and Save in Summer

It may seem that due to longer daylight hours and vacation trips, utility bills should be lower. However, in reality, they might even increase. For example, during hot weather, you often 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 such meters is that you pay almost twice less for electricity used from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. You can use this opportunity to run your washing or dishwasher machine during these hours. Installing dual-tariff meters typically reduces the electricity bill by about 25%.

Don't run the air conditioner unnecessarily

Air conditioners typically consume 0.5–1.5 kWh. If used daily for several hours, the bill can quickly rise. To maintain a cool room temperature, it's enough to turn on the air conditioner for one hour to let the air cool down. Doors should remain closed. Windows should not only be shut but also covered with curtains or blinds. Under such conditions, the coolness in the room can last for another 2–3 hours. Once the air warms up again, you can turn on the air conditioner once more.

Consider energy-saving when purchasing. Inverter air conditioners are a good choice for this purpose. They are just as powerful as regular models but consume 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 the air passes through them, it gets cooled and slightly humidified. 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 use a gas stove to heat water in pots for savings. If comfort matters more, it's better to install a boiler and forget about buckets. Instant water heaters heat 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 come home from work.

Water

Control Water Usage in the Shower

In summer, you take showers more often. A five-minute shower uses approximately 50 liters of water. If the faucet has aerators instead of a single-handle mixer, you might waste 10% more water. To save water, install an aerator in the showerhead. By mixing air into the stream, you can save another 15% of water. Also, don't forget to turn off the tap while lathering.

Design: Julia Chernova

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. At the same time, your body gets more vitamins.

For Vacation Time

Turn Off Unused Utilities

Before traveling, shut off the water and gas pipes. Unplug all electrical appliances that consume electricity even in standby mode. This ensures nothing accumulates on the meters.

If your 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 consumes twice as much electricity as a full one.

You can also turn off your home internet, television, or landline phone during your absence. It's better to check the details 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 proof that you were on vacation.

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