How to Pay Less for Utilities and Save in Summer

It seems that due to longer daylight and vacation trips, 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 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 usually reduces electricity bills 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 grow significantly. 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 be closed during this time. Windows should not only be shut but also covered with curtains or blinds. Under these conditions, the cool air in the room can last another 2–3 hours. As soon as the air warms up again, you can turn on the air conditioner once more.

You can also consider energy savings at the purchase stage. For this, inverter air conditioners are suitable. They are just as powerful as regular units 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 additionally 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, 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 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

In summer, you take showers more often. Five such sessions use about 50 liters of water. If the faucet has a mixer instead of a single-handle valve, you waste 10% more water. To save water, it's better to install an aerator on 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 Chernovaya

Gas

Eat Fresh

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

During Vacation

Turn Off Unused Supplies

Before traveling, turn off water and gas pipes. Unplug all electrical appliances that consume electricity even in standby mode. This ensures nothing accumulates on the 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 this. An empty freezer 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 confirm this information with your provider.

Design: Alexey Korchinsky

Request a Recalculation

Recalculation is an option for those who don't have meters installed yet, and bills 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 at home for at least five days. The departure and return days are not included in this period. 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 documents for recalculation no later than 30 days after your return.