Are you looking for a way to cut down on monthly costs but not sure how? Sometimes, the promise of a cheap rent can be spoiled by the reality of high utility bills. While some prices, like internet and tv, are set in stone each month, many utilities fluctuate from month to month and could break your budget. And although you may think you have no control over these fluctuations, you have a lot more than you think. You can save money every month on your utility bill, you just have to be smart about it.

So how do you outsmart the bill? Read this article to discover 5 simple solutions for saving money on your utility bill.

1. Sniff Out the Vampires

It’s time to channel your inner Bella from Twilight and ward off some vampires. Don’t worry, no strings of garlic will be needed. All you need to do is take a quick walk around your house and unplug all of those devices that aren’t in use. Leaving devices plugged in 24/7 is a huge energy sucker. In fact, these “vampire appliances” take up an average of 10 percent of your bill for the year.

If you’re not using it, unplug it!

2. Temperature

Instead of reaching for the thermostat next time you’re cold, reach for a sweater. For every one degree you lower your thermostat, you can save three percent on your heating bill. That may not seem like a lot, but by consistently lowering the thermostat a couple degrees and you can save hundreds of dollars every year. And, that goes the same for the Summer months too! Keep your air conditioner turned up a couple of degrees to save money.

3. Switch to a Programmable Thermostat

Remembering to drop or increase the temperature in order to save money is a lot easier task if you have a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you don’t have to worry about switching the temp when you’re running out the house in the morning. Installing one is fairly simple, so talk to your landlord about making the switch. If for some reason they won’t budge, just set reminders on your smartphone to stay on top of it.

4. Keep Your Appliances Efficient

Some of your appliances may actually be the culprit in your high energy bill, even if they are in perfect working order. For example, you can save money on your water bill by skipping the hand rinse before putting your dishes in, as most newer models can tackle the full clean for you. Switching to air-dry instead of heat-dry is another dishwasher trick that can save some money.

When it comes to laundry, wait until you have a full load to wash and make sure to remove the lint from the dryer every time. Doing so means better air flow and faster dry times. Not to mention, too much lint can be a safety hazard.

5. Contact Your Utility Company

Believe it or not, your utility company also wants to help you save money. Many of them have programs and incentives in place to encourage energy-efficient consumption, so contact yours to get the details.

Utility Bill Wrap Up

All these savings may not seem like a lot on their own, but by incorporating all of these practices you can save some serious dough. Got any questions about making energy-saving decisions? Drop a comment below. And, be sure to check out our selection of apartments if you are currently on the look out in Fort Wayne.