34 Ways To Save Money on Utilities

Following, are 34 ways to save money on utilities, including water, electricity, and heating and cooling.

Ask your utility companies for help. If you are having trouble paying your utility bill or want more information on how to lower your energy bills, your utility company should be your first contact. Many offer budget-billing programs in which you can pay a set amount each month.

Some offer special protections for customers who have disabilities, are on Supplemental Security Income, are on medical life-support equipment, or are having difficulty paying their bill. The utility company will devise an affordable payment plan or put you in touch with a nonprofit that may be able to help. Ask about rate options as well. Some offer a low-income rate discount. Others offer time-of-use rates that lower bills if you can move your consumption off-peak.

Upgrade your appliances. Sure, that old refrigerator has been running since 1963. But it's probably sucking up a lot of juice while it's cooling your beer. New appliances with the Energy Star designation are more efficient than average appliances. Energy Star televisions, for example, use 3 watts or less when they are turned off, which is about 50 percent less than average.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency keeps a list of the most energy-efficient appliances.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is a federal program that helps millions of low-income Americans afford to heat and cool their homes. If you need help paying your utility bills, replacing your furnace, weatherizing your home, or making other energy-related improvements, you can apply.

Operated by the states, LIHEAP also provides crisis or emergency assistance for people who have received a shut-off notice or had their service disconnected. Details of the program vary by state. To apply, contact your state LIHEAP office or reach out through the National Energy Assistance Referral hotline at 866-674-6327.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Weatherization is one of the best ways to save on utilities, if not the best. The Weatherization Assistance Program, or WAP, helps low-income families lower their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.

The U.S. Department of Energy provides funding to states, U.S. overseas territories, and Indian tribal governments. Those governments have a network of nonprofits, community groups, and local government agencies that provide weatherization services to households in each state. More information is available at the Weatherization Assistance Program website or 888-771-9404. Special preference goes to families with someone 60 or older, children, or one or more members with a disability.