Saving money on utility costs doesn’t mean major lifestyle changes. Every household can reduce their energy bills with small changes. These five simple solutions let the whole family contribute to saving money.

1. Turn the Sink Off While Brushing Your Teeth

On average, Americans devote 38.5 total days of their life brushing their teeth. One way you can save money on your water bill, and how your kids can help save, too, is by turning off the water in between the times when you’re brushing your teeth. Let the water run to wet your toothbrush, turn the water off while you brush, and then turn the water back on only when you need to rinse. This saves money on the water bill at the end of each month.

2. Do Some Strategic Gardening

According to Successful Farming, rural or farmland sales have remained steady through 2022 and will likely remain stable through 2023. If you have a rural home or a suburban home with a larger backyard where you can plant trees or shrubs, consider being strategic with your plant choices. Cleverly planted trees and shrubs can actually help reduce energy costs by providing shade during the summer months, so you don’t need to crank your air conditioner up. Let your kids help with the digging process to create the planting pits for your new trees and shrubs.

3. Keep a Pitcher in the Fridge

Another great way you can save on water costs is by keeping a pitcher of water in the fridge. According to the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), 71% of surveyed Americans drink tap water, and up to 55% are concerned about contaminants in their drinking water. Using a water filtration pitcher allows you to keep your drinking water filtered and cool without having to run the water for several minutes while waiting for it to cool down enough for you to fill your glass. Depending on the age of your kids, you can show them how to properly refill the pitcher as one of their chores.

4. Lower the Temperature of Your Water Heater

According to CNET, 120 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature at which to set your water heater in order to save money. When your water heater is set at too high of a temperature, you can end up paying more for electricity or gas to heat the water. By lowering the temperature, you can still enjoy a nice hot shower without sacrificing your budget.

5. Set the Thermostat at 70F

According to ENERGY STAR, the ideal indoor temperature at which to set your thermostat is 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Show your kids how the thermostat works and what the numbers mean before setting it to 70 degrees. You can also turn your thermostat down by up to eight degrees while you and your family are away from home to help maximize energy efficiency. This will help to keep your energy and heating costs down without sacrificing comfort.

Saving money on energy costs is easier than you might think, and your kids can learn a lot about how energy savings work while they help you around the house. Try out some of the tips above to help keep your own utility bills down this season!