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Save Money This Winter: Cheat Sheet to Slash Your Water, Electric and Gas Bills

Pocket more money each month with our expert tips.

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Macy Meyer
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Macy Meyer Editor I
Macy Meyer is a N.C. native who graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2021 with a B.A. in English and Journalism. She currently resides in Charlotte, N.C., where she has been working as an Editor I, covering a variety of topics across CNET's Home and Wellness teams, including home security, fitness and nutrition, smart home tech and more. Prior to her time at CNET, Macy was featured in The News & Observer, The Charlotte Observer, INDY Week, and other state and national publications. In each article, Macy helps readers get the most out of their home and wellness. When Macy isn't writing, she's volunteering, exploring the town or watching sports.
Expertise Macy covers a variety of topics across CNET's Home and Wellness teams, including home security, smart home tech, fitness, nutrition, travel, lifestyle and more. Credentials Macy has been working for CNET for coming on 2 years. Prior to CNET, Macy received a North Carolina College Media Association award in sports writing.
3 min read
USA type B plug lies on dollar banknotes

Don't let utility bills empty your wallet.

Aleksandr Bunin/Getty Images

With inflation, still-high gas prices and spiking rents, you may face some tough questions. How do you save money on monthly expenses, for example, including gas, electric, water and heating bills?

The National Energy Assistance Directors' Association warns that heating costs alone could jump more than 17% compared with last winter, outpacing inflation and hitting the highest prices in more than 10 years. 

CNET staffers have followed these rising bills over the last several months and have written numerous articles with tips and tricks on how to slash energy bills. There are effective ways to pocket more money each month, and many of them are minor lifestyle changes you can make today. 

National average utility bills

In the US, the average family should expect to spend close to $300 every month on electricity, gas, water and sewer bills -- but that price can fluctuate greatly depending on region and usage. 

Here's a breakdown of average monthly utility costs, according to Move.org, as 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

10 States with the Highest Average Utility Bills in the US

State Electricity Natural GasWater
US Total $117.46$61.69$45.44
Hawaii $162.66$236.83$45.44
Connecticut $161.55$80.94$45.44
Alabama $143.95$78.83$45.44
Georgia $129.92$85.88$45.44
Arizona $136.70$78.22$45.44
Massachusetts $132.18$80.49$45.44
Rhode Island $130.75$81.55$45.44
New Hampshire $120.01$82.20$45.44
South Carolina $138.16$61.69$45.44
Texas $132.59$61.69$45.44

Save money on electric and gas bills

Probably the most important utility and the largest utility bill for Americans is electricity. You may have noticed a spike in electricity bills this year, the reason being rising natural gas prices. Natural gas accounts for about 38% of the country's electricity production, so these bills are naturally connected.

Natural gas prices are expected to jump 28% this winter, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Considering many household appliances use natural gas -- including stoves, ovens, dryers, fridge and gas-powered furnaces -- your bill can be considerable.

Here are some tried and true ways to lower your electric and gas bills:

For renters who may not be able to make any large-scale adjustments, try these 10 apartment-friendly, energy-saving tips. 

Here Are 23 Ways to Save On Your Electric Bills Right Now

See all photos

Save on water bills all year long

Between showers, sinks, toilets, dishwasherswashing machines and yard work, you probably use more water than you think. The average American household uses more than 300 gallons of water daily, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Altogether, this equates to about $1,000 per year on water bills. Your monthly bill might be lower or higher than this, depending on your location, water usage habits, water-saving tech and other factors.

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

water pouring from faucet

So many of your appliances require water. Luckily, there are ways to cut down and save. 

Madhourse/Getty Images

More tips to save money during the winter

Winter can be a costly time of year for many Americans in colder climates who rely on furnaces. Here are a few tips to help you pocket more cash:

For all your heating information, explore our winter utility FAQ

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Watch this: Easy Ways to Lower Your Utility Bills and Save Money

Learn to save money during the summer too

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

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

Keep checking CNET's Home Tips section for more advice on saving money and getting things done around the house.