People around the globe enjoy many modern conveniences. Multiple fuel sources heat homes, and most people have electricity in their homes. Most people also have running water and indoor plumbing, and Statista reports that as of 2021, almost 60 percent of the world’s population uses the internet.
Less than 100 years ago, less than half of the homes in the United States had electricity. Heat, electricity, indoor plumbing, and broadband services make it easier to perform routine tasks and live comfortably, making life more expensive. Whether you’re buying or renting a home, you’ll need to budget for utilities. Let’s look at factors that affect your utility costs and how to find the most affordable utility services available using iSelect.
What are utilities?
Utilities are essentials supplied to communities, including electricity, natural gas, water, and sewage and sanitation services. Broadband is another utility, supplying users with high-speed internet access.
How much do utilities cost per month?
Several factors affect monthly utility costs for consumers. Your home’s size affects your heating and cooling costs, so a person living in an apartment will typically spend less on electricity than someone living in a large detached home. Some people supplement their heating costs with wood-burning fireplaces, although wood is the primary heat source in just 10 percent of Australian homes.
The number of household occupants also affects your utility bills. Typically, a home with four family members will use more electricity and water than a home with two occupants. Your habits will also impact your costs. A person who works at home will use more electricity and water than someone who commutes and spends most of their waking hours outside the home.
In November 2021, The Guardian reported some Australians could expect to see energy costs drop because of new solar power grids. However, the decreases varied based on location. The Guardian indicated the average national decrease would be 5.7 percent. Queensland residents should see their annual bills fall from $1,226 to $1,100 while Victoria citizens should see their bills decrease by 8 percent. Electricity costs are also impacted by whether the home uses natural gas.
How can you find the most affordable utility services?
Comparison shopping can help you locate the most affordable utility companies in your area. Head to iSelect and use their comparison tool to shop for providers. The tool prompts you to provide relevant data, such as your address, the number of occupants in your home, and whether you have solar panels. Some individuals may search for electricity providers while others need electricity and natural gas. The tool uses your information to create a list of utility companies that serve your location. When searching for electricity providers, you can indicate you need broadband services and simultaneously receive information about broadband prices. Use the information supplied to review the energy companies and broadband providers to determine which companies offer the most affordable services for your needs.
How can you reduce your utility bills?
Many electricity providers have varying rates based on the time of day. Using electricity during off-peak hours is more affordable. Consequently, you’ll save money if you’re able to run your washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher late at night. People working shift work may capitalize on their irregular hours to reduce their utility bills.
Homeowners may opt to reduce their utility costs by installing solar panels. Whether you own or rent, you can employ cost-saving measures to reduce energy and water consumption, such as taking shorter showers and turning your water heater down. Installing LED lights will also reduce your electricity bills.
Monthly utility costs vary based on your location, the number of people in your home, and the time of day you use services. Working from home will also impact your utility costs. Using a comparison tool is an effective way to find affordable utility providers in your area.
