5 Under-the-Radar Appliance Hacks That Will Save You Money on Your Next Utility Bill

Many Americans are struggling to pay their utility bills. A 2023 GOBankingRates survey found that nearly half of Americans (44%) had trouble paying their utility bills that year.

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As utility bills creep up in price, it’s smart to look for ways to save. You’re probably familiar with some of the typical ways to save on utility bills, such as unplugging small appliances while not in use. But there are a few money-saving hacks you probably haven’t tried yet.

If you’re looking to save money on your next utility bill, consider trying these under-the-radar appliance hacks.

Lower the Water Temperature in Your Dishwasher

Some dishwashers allow you to adjust the water temperature.

“If your dishwasher has settings for adjusting the water temperature, lower the temperature to 120°F, which is enough to get your dishes clean,” said Mark Feygin, founder and CEO of PowerSetter.

Other dishwashers have an eco-mode that uses less water and energy.

“It might seem confusing because eco-mode cycles take longer, but because of the longer wash cycle, the water doesn’t need to heat up as much,” Feygin said. “Short cycles generally use more energy to clean your dishes.”

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Be Strategic About Where You Place Food in Your Refrigerator and Freezer

Overstuffing your refrigerator can be a costly mistake.

“Don’t push food against the back wall — it blocks airflow and messes up the cooling,” Feygin said. “A fridge works best when air circulation is proper.”

Feygin also recommended placing the items you reach for most closer to the front so you keep the door open for shorter periods of time.

When it comes to freezers, “a full one, but not overstuffed, holds the cold better than an empty one,” he said.

Keep Your Oven Clean

Many people put off cleaning their ovens or avoid it altogether, but this isn’t just a sanitary issue.

“It’s not obvious, but a dirty oven doesn’t hold heat as well and ends up using more energy,” Feygin said.

He also recommended cooking multiple dishes at once if possible, and opting for glass or ceramic cookware, which heats up more quickly.

Don’t Overload Your Dryer

You might want to stuff your dryer to the brim to avoid having to do multiple loads, but this could actually end up being more costly.

“One of the common mistakes is overloading the dryer, which usually not only increases drying time and energy use, but also blocks proper airflow,” Feygin said.

You should also choose a low-heat option, which is usually sufficient if your dryer isn’t overloaded.

“Many people crank up the heat settings, but higher temperatures use more energy and can damage fabrics,” Feygin said. “Instead, stick with low-temperature settings.”

Use the Right Pots and Pans

When you’re cooking on a stovetop, be mindful of the pots and pans you are using.

“Use pots and pans with flat bottoms,” Feygin said. “Check if your cookware makes full contact with the burner, because if not, it’s just wasting energy. Instead of using heavy pans with thick bottoms, which take longer to heat up, consider using lighter pans made of stainless steel or aluminum.”

Feygin also advised to always use a lid.

“People also often cook without a lid, which lets the heat escape,” he said. This means it will take longer to boil water or cook, which means higher utility bills.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Under-the-Radar Appliance Hacks That Will Save You Money on Your Next Utility Bill