Most Americans Are ‘Overwhelmed’ by Utility Bills: 2 Ways They’re Slashing Costs
Written by
Gabrielle Olya
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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If you feel overcome with dread every time you open up a utility bill, you’re not alone. A recent American Home Shield survey found that 54% of Americans are overwhelmed by utility costs, with 1 in 3 struggling to afford their bills. A big factor is the increasing costs of these bills — 89% of Americans said the cost of their utilities has increased in the past year.
Electricity bills are the utility bills Americans are concerned about the most, with 54% of those surveyed saying they don’t think their electricity bills are reasonable. With the average monthly cost for electricity now at a whopping $232, Americans are making an effort to cut costs.
Here are the main ways Americans are cutting down on their electricity bills.
Paying Close Attention to Their Bills
With costs at all-time highs, 63% of Americans said they are now carefully reviewing their electricity bills to ensure that everything looks correct. Just over one-quarter of Americans (26%) have disputed an electricity bill, and this move often pays off. Among those who have disputed a bill, 48% have ended up paying less, with an average savings of $433.
Cutting Down on Electricity Use
Another way that Americans are cutting their electricity bill costs is by being mindful of how much electricity they are using and taking steps to conserve energy.
The most popular ways Americans are doing this include using less light (64%), switching to LED bulbs (46%), keeping their homes warmer/colder than preferred (44%), unplugging appliances (39%), utilizing energy-saving mode on appliances (25%) and winterizing their homes (24%).
Tips for Saving on Electricity Bills
Many Americans have the right idea when it comes to saving on electricity bills. The first step should always be to carefully review your bill to ensure you are not being overcharged. You should also see if you qualify for any local or federal emergency or energy credits.
Next, take steps to reduce your energy consumption, including adjusting your thermostat to be slightly cooler in the winter and slightly warmer in the summer. You should also weatherproof your home, including sealing any air leaks and adding drapes to keep warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer.
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