The Best $20 You Can Spend To Lower Your Utility Bills
Written by
Jordan Rosenfeld
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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With the cost of living on the rise, utility bills are becoming a bigger burden for many households. Factors like rising oil prices, economic uncertainty and fluctuating energy costs mean that many Americans may see higher electricity, heating and water bills in 2025 and beyond.
While you can’t control these larger trends, you can take small, cost-effective steps to lower your bills — without making drastic lifestyle changes or investing in expensive home upgrades.
For as little as $20, you can make smart tweaks to your home that pay for themselves over time. These simple fixes can add up to hundreds of dollars in annual savings.
Switch To LED Light Bulbs
If you’re still utilizing old incandescent light bulbs, which use a lot of energy, you can start saving immediately by switching to LED light bulbs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), you can save as much as $225 per year just by making this switch. A four-pack of Feit 60-watt equivalent dimmable LED bulbs at Home Depot is just $12.98. Replacing your bulbs won’t be too expensive and will more than pay off.
Install Smart Power Strips
Even if your appliances are turned off, simply by being plugged in, some devices are still utilizing a small amount of “phantom” electricity, which, day in and day out, adds up. According to How Stuff Works, it may account for as much as 5% to 10% of a household’s energy usage. You can circumvent this stealthy drain by installing smart power strips. Maximize placement of these where you have the most appliances or devices. You can get a Kasa smart plug power strip with surge protector for just $21.99 at Amazon.
Add Caulking to Doors and Windows
If your doors and windows aren’t properly sealed, even the smallest gaps may be letting cold and hot air in or out to the tune of 20% of your energy, and forcing you to use your heater or AC more frequently. According to the DOE, some simple caulking, which can run between $3 and $30, should be enough to prevent much of this loss.
Use Insulation Spray Foam
If you want to keep your hot water heater warmer and pipes from freezing in the winter, you don’t have to invest in expensive insulation — just a bottle of insulation spray foam can probably do the trick initially. You can pick up a can of AG930 self expanding polyurethane foam and sealant for $22.99 at Home Depot, and cut down on hot water costs.
While energy prices and utility rates are outside of your control, how much you pay each month isn’t entirely set in stone. With these and other small, low-cost upgrades, you can take back some control over your household expenses.
Editor’s note: Pricing is accurate as of March 13, 2025. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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