Did you know around 7.3% of the average individual’s total annual income in one year goes towards paying energy bills? When you consider all of your expenses, just a little heating and cooling can take up a chunk of change. But don’t get disheartened. Fortunately, there are easy ways to keep more of your money in your pocket. Read on to learn about simple ways to keep you utility bills as low as possible!

1. Hire A Professional Home Energy Auditor

In order to understand how energy is used in your home, you need to conduct a home energy audit or assessment. Nothing beats hiring a professional consultant who specializes in conducting home energy audits.You’ll learn how efficient your home is and what changes need to be made. HomeAdvisor, says that the average reported costs for a home energy audit is $371, with a majority of homeowners spending anywhere between $218 and $548. You can contact your local government energy office or utility provider for recommendations on auditors.

2. Do Your Own Home Energy Audit

Unsure if you want to spend the money on an auditor? Looking for an easier way to assess your home’s energy use? Or maybe need help finding an auditor?  If you’ve got a smartphone, you can take advantage of different home energy audit apps. A great option is Benefyd, which can:

• Generate a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s current energy use
• Help you lower your energy and utility bills
• Help you to find ways to save in every part of your home
• Assist you in locating utility rebates
• Help to connect you with home energy audit professionals

3. Slay Energy Vampires

The U.S. Department of Energy projects that so-called energy vampires — devices plugged into the wall that consume energy even when they’re turned off — cost people in the U.S. in excess of $10 billion annually. You can easily avoid this by unplugging your computer, your television, and appliances when you won’t be using them for a while.

4. Change Shower Head

If you have an older shower head, chances are that you’re using way more water than needed — and that’ll cost you. A newer shower head will lessen the water flow rate, and you won’t notice the difference in performance. When you consider how much you’ll save in terms of reduced water use, you can realistically expect to recoup the costs of buying a new shower head sooner rather than later.

5. Insulate Attic

One of the things to consider is the amount of insulation in your attic. If you have enough, you’ll see a noticeable reduction in your energy bills. Attics don’t typically get the same attention insulation-wise as do the walls when home builders construct homes. So it makes sense to check that out and add insulation as needed.

If you follow the recommendations above, you’ll certainly reduce your utility bills. The more money you save on energy and utility expenses, the more you can invest in efficient technology to help save the environment.