4 Ways to Spend $20 to Save Hundreds on Your Utility Bills

A major factor in the last presidential election was voters’ uneasiness with inflation and the costly process of going through the checkout process. Although the high costs of gasoline, groceries and retail items are beyond the average consumer’s control, there are ways to reduce costs elsewhere, particularly with their home’s utilities.

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Fortunately, there are ways for the average American to reduce their utility bills, often for less than $20. GOBankingRates has compiled some of the ways a $20 (or less) bill can actually lower your utility bills.

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Air conditioner/heater filters

As CNET reports, air filters in air conditioners and heaters capture all kinds of airborne debris (pet hair, dirt, dust, etc.). When these filters are left unchanged or not changed regularly, the elements they normally capture can enter your HVAC system and significantly reduce its efficiency.

Changing your air filters regularly (which can be found for well under $20) can reduce your unit’s energy consumption by between 5% and 15% and will reduce your utility bill.

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Sealing of doors and windows

According to Fix-It 24/7, you can significantly reduce your energy bill by making sure your home’s doors and windows are properly insulated. If your doors and windows are not properly sealed, drafts will occur, forcing you to turn up the thermostat. (Conversely, heat can penetrate during the summer, forcing you to rely on air conditioning.)

A homeowner can easily caulk drafty windows for less than $5 or purchase weather stripping for doors for less than $10.

Energy-efficient bulbs and LED lighting

InCharge Debt Solutions noted that something as simple as replacing regular light bulbs with energy-efficient Energy Star-labeled bulbs saves about $55 over the life of each bulb and consumes 90% energy in less.

Additionally, LED lighting can emit as much light as incandescent bulbs, but also uses 90% less energy and lasts 15 times longer. Plus, LED lights can save you up to $225 per year.

Energy Star bulbs and LED lights can easily be purchased for less than $20.

Faucet Aerators

InCharge also reported that adding faucet aerators (which cost on average less than $3 per aerator) to faucets will increase your water pressure and decrease the amount of water used by adding air pressure to the stream. And it could save you up to 700 gallons per year.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Ways to Spend $20 to Save Hundreds of Dollars on Your Utility Bills