Creative Ways Homeowners Can Cut Down on Utility and Service Costs

Hoping to lower your all-in total home costs so that they come in below 30% of your income? We’re here to help you get there, so you can put the rest of your income toward more important things, like your emergency fund and retirement savings. Whether it’s by shopping around, negotiating with providers, or reducing your utility usage, there are more than a few practical ways to save. Below, we’ll walk you through them— and answer some of the most common questions along the way.

Electricity, Natural Gas, Propane, and Oil Bills

Energy bills are often some of the highest recurring homeownership costs. However, the amount of control you have over them depends on where you live:

• Check your state’s deregulation status.
  • In “deregulated” energy markets, you can choose your electricity or natural gas supplier instead of being limited to just one. Texas, Pennsylvania, and some New England states are deregulated. If your state is deregulated, you can compare rates from multiple suppliers online and switch to one with a lower price per kilowatt-hour (electricity) or therm (natural gas).
• For propane or heating oil, consider a local buying group.
  • In many communities, neighbors form fuel co-ops or buying groups that allows them to negotiate a bulk purchase. By committing to buy a larger volume of propane or oil, members often get discounted rates per gallon. You can ask around locally, check community forums or Facebook groups, or contact local fuel companies to see if this is an option for you.
• Cut back usage when switching providers isn’t an option.
  • Set thermostats a few degrees higher in summer or lower in winter.
  • Switch to LED bulbs and smart power strips.
  • Seal drafts around doors and windows.
  • Use programmable thermostats to avoid heating/cooling when no one’s home.

Water, Sewer, and Septic

You can’t usually “shop around” for water and sewer services since they’re run by local governments, but you can take steps to keep bills down and avoid costly repairs:

• Reduce water consumption. Install low-flow shower heads, fix leaky faucets promptly, only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they’re full, and water your lawn early in the morning to prevent evaporation.
• Collect rainwater, if permitted. In some areas, rain barrels are legal and let you water plants for free.
• Maintain your septic system. If your home isn’t on city sewer, regular septic pumping (every 2–3 years) helps prevent expensive backups and prolongs your system’s life.

Trash and Waste Removal

In some towns, property taxes fund trash pickup, but if you’re responsible for hiring a private company, here are ways to save:

• Get multiple quotes, since prices can vary widely between providers. Ask about differences in included services, like recycling or bulk item pickup.
• Negotiate or bundle. Some local hauling or landscaping companies may offer combined services (e.g., trash, yard waste, and recycling) at a discount.
• Reduce waste where possible. The less you throw away, the smaller container you may be able to use — and smaller bins often mean smaller monthly bills.

Internet, Phone, and Streaming/TV

These are some of the most flexible household bills, since companies expect you to negotiate.

• Compare offers and rates from other area providers before you call.
• Call your current provider’s customer retention team. They’re responsible for keeping you from canceling.
• Mention your loyalty. Highlight how long you’ve been a customer and that you’d like to stay, but need a better rate.
• Trim unused services. Review your streaming subscriptions and cancel those you don’t use regularly.

If calling to negotiate a bill feels uncomfortable, here’s a sample script you can use:

“Hi, I’ve been a customer for [X years], and I noticed my bill is higher than what other providers are offering. I’d really like to stay with your company — is there a loyalty discount or promotional rate you can apply so I can keep my service here?”

Lawn Care and Pool Maintenance

These services can add up quickly, but they’re also flexible.

• Request multiple quotes. Prices vary greatly between providers, and some will match a competitor’s rate if you ask.
• Scale back maintenance frequency. Instead of weekly service, consider bi-weekly visits. Do simple tasks, such as adding chlorine tabs, emptying skimmer baskets, or lawn mowing, yourself
• Bundle services. Some lawn or pool companies may offer a discount when you use them for both.

Most utilities and services fall into one of three categories:

• You can shop around (electricity in deregulated states, trash removal, internet/phone).
• You can negotiate (internet, phone, streaming, some trash pickup, lawn/pool services).
• You can cut back (water, sewer, heating fuel, electricity, lawn/pool services).

Taking a little time to compare and call providers or adjust your usage can translate into steady monthly savings — and the peace of mind of knowing you’re not overpaying.