The best ways to reduce your electricity, gas and water bills this fall

Fall is not only the time for pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween, it’s also the time for World Energy Efficiency Day. There are so many expenses we have to juggle every month. From rent or mortgage payments to grocery costs to gas, you’re faced with an endless stream of bills. There are always energy costs on top of that. So how can you save money on monthly expenses, for example gas, electricity, water and AC bills?

Instead of straining your budget and paying hundreds of dollars every month, consider making some behavioral changes to improve energy efficiency, reduce the energy you use, and lower your bills. To help with this, CNET staff have been tracking the fluctuating costs of utility bills in recent months and have written numerous articles with tips and tricks on how to lower utility bills. We found that there are effective ways to put more money in your pocket every month, and many of them are small lifestyle changes you can make today.

Below we have collected all the articles that can help you achieve lower electricity, water and energy costs. If you like this cheat sheet guide, you can also explore our solar cheat sheets and our home sustainability cheat sheets.

National average energy bills

In the US, the average family would spend almost $300 each month on electricity, gas, water and sewer bills, but that price can fluctuate widely depending on region and usage.

Here is an overview of the average monthly energy costs, according to Move.orgas well as a breakdown of the 10 states with the highest average utility bills in the US:

• Electricity: $117.46
• Natural gas: $61.69
• Water: $45.44
• Sewer: $66.20

Save money on electricity and gas bills

Probably the most important utility and the biggest energy bill for Americans is electricity. You may have noticed a spike in electricity bills in recent years, the reason being rising natural gas prices. Natural gas accounts for approx 38% of the country’s electricity production, so these accounts are understandably linked.

Natural gas prices are expected to remain high, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Since many home appliances use natural gas – including stoves, ovens, dryers, refrigerators and gas-fired ovens – your bill can increase significantly.

Here are some proven ways to reduce your electricity and gas bills:

For tenants who may not be able to make large-scale changes, give it a try these 10 apartment-friendlyenergy saving tips.

Save on your water bill all year round

Between showers, sinks, toilets, dishwasherswashing machines and garden work, you probably use more water than you think. The average American household uses more than 300 liters of water daily, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. All together this amounts to approx $1,000 per year on water bills. Your monthly bill may be lower or higher depending on your location, water usage, water-saving technology and other factors.

It’s important to save on your water bill. Here’s how:

More tips to save money during the summer

On average it costs between $75 and $175 per month to run a central air conditioning system and cool a house in the US. For many Americans in the South and Southwest, summer is the harshest time of year for spending.

Here’s how to beat the heat without putting a dent in your wallet:

Learn to save money even in winter

Winter can be a precious time of year for many Americans in colder climates ovens. Here are a few tips to help you bring in more money:

For all your heating information, discover our frequently asked questions about winter assistance programs.

Keep checking CNETs Home tips section for more advice on saving money and getting things done around the house.

For more cheat sheets, check out every Alexa and Google Home tip you need to know, your guide to purchasing home solar, and how to navigate your home internet options.