If you’ve noticed that your utility bills keep climbing, you’re not the only one. Rising costs are affecting everything from your energy bill to your internet fees. While you may have already tried tightening your budget and cutting expenses, are you aware that just a few quick phone calls could help you lower your monthly bills?
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Whether you’re looking to cut costs on electricity, gas, water or internet service, these strategies can make a big difference. Here are four phone calls you should make right now to save money on utilities in 2026.
Call Your Utility Companies To Negotiate Lower Pricing
Your utility bills may seem set in stone, but you actually can call and try to negotiate with the utility companies at hand. For example, you could tell them you are unable to afford the present rate and ask if they can offer you a better deal. Some suppliers might even have a bundle service where you can combine services to reduce costs.
While on the phone, also ask about the best times of day for lower rates. Many people don’t know that utility companies will have times of day when the rate is lowest, also known as time-of-use pricing. It’s often later at night. Knowing this can help you be more strategic and use your utilities when the costs are lower.
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Call for a Free Energy Audit
If you’re concerned that you may be wasting energy in your home, request an energy audit. This is an assessment that most energy companies offer for free. This means they can come out to your residence and examine things like ductwork to determine its efficiency and see if there are ways to cut your bills.
Call Around for Deals on Window Insulation
During the winter months, or if you live in a generally cold climate, insulating your windows is key to reducing heating costs. Not only can you take the initiative and use plastic film to cover your windows or use draft stoppers to seal gaps around your windows and prevent drafts from coming into your home, but you can also shop around to find the best deals for professionals to do this for you.
This small investment up front can save you big money on your monthly bills in the long run.
Call To Get Your HVAC Serviced
HVAC systems are complex pieces of machinery that need routine attention to function efficiently. Make sure yours is getting the TLC it needs. Doing small maintenance checks here and there will prevent you from having to replace a very expensive piece of equipment.
Also, if your HVAC isn’t functioning properly, the unit may be causing it to work harder than it needs to, costing you more and driving up your energy bill. You’ll want to get the system checked at least once or twice each year to avoid those higher costs.
Nicole Spector contributed to the reporting for this article.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Phone Calls That Can Slash Your Utility Bills
