Yes, you may save money on utility bills (without losing up on comfort)

Moving to a new country can be exciting, but adjusting to a different lifestyle often comes with unexpected costs — like high utility bills. As an expat renting a home, you might feel limited in how much you can change your living space. However, you can still take control of your expenses with these renter-friendly solutions. Whether you’re curious about quick and easy ways to save money on utility bills or looking for long-term strategies, this guide will help you cut costs without breaking your lease agreement.

Understand your utility bills

Start by getting familiar with how your utility bills are calculated. Do you pay a flat rate or based on consumption? Knowing this will guide you in identifying ways to save money on utility bills. If you have access to detailed utility bills, review them for trends. For instance, are your electricity charges higher during certain months?

Optimise lighting without major changes

If you can’t replace fixtures in your rented home, focus on small changes like switching to LED bulbs. They’re inexpensive, renter-friendly, and a great way to tackle how to save money on utility bills quickly. Maximise natural light during the day by keeping curtains open, which also reduces the need for heating in colder months.

Once you start spending less on utilities, you can share the money with your family by sending them a fast and secure Profee transfer.

Take control of heating and cooling

Heating and cooling can take up a big portion of your expenses. Here are a few quick and easy ways to save money on utility bills without altering your rental:

• Use draft stoppers or rolled-up towels to seal gaps under doors.
• Adjust blinds or curtains to trap heat during winter or block the sun during summer.
• Use portable heaters or fans instead of relying solely on central systems.

Winter is expensive because of the increase in heating system usage and the holiday season. Luckily, our article has some Christmas money-saving tips for you.

Make smart appliance choices

As a renter, you might not have control over the appliances provided by your landlord, but you can still use them efficiently. Follow these tips to lower electric bill:

• Wash clothes in cold water and air-dry them if possible.
• Use energy-efficient settings on your dishwasher, washing machine, and refrigerator. This will help reduce your utility bills.
• Unplug devices like toasters or chargers when not in use to avoid “phantom” energy consumption.

Be water-wise

If your rental includes water charges, simple changes can help you reduce monthly bills:

• Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
• Report leaky faucets or running toilets to your landlord immediately.
• Use a basin to wash dishes instead of letting water run continuously.

Communicate with your landlord

While you can’t make permanent upgrades to the property, your landlord might be open to small investments that benefit both parties. Suggest adding draft-proofing, a programmable thermostat, or even energy-efficient appliances. Framing these upgrades as ways to increase the property's value could work in your favour and reduce monthly bills.

Invest in temporary fixes

As a renter, you can’t install solar panels or double-glazed windows, but you can make temporary adjustments. Adhesive weatherstripping, thermal curtains, and plug-in smart thermostats are cost-effective ways to figure out how to save money on utility bills without violating your rental agreement.

Share the load (Literally!)

If you’re living in shared accommodation, splitting the cost of utilities is common. But saving energy together can go further:

• Create a shared habit of turning off lights and appliances when not needed. Explain to your flatmates how to lower electricity bills.
• Use communal spaces efficiently, like sharing heaters instead of heating multiple rooms.
• Split the cost of energy-saving items like a portable heater or drying rack.
• Discuss how to save money on utility bills together. Two heads are better than one.

Monitor your usage

Some landlords include utilities in the rent, while others expect you to cover costs separately. Either way, tracking your energy usage helps you find ways to save money on utility bills. Many energy providers have online tools or apps to give you a clearer picture of your consumption patterns. It will give you a clear view of how to lower electricity bills.

What’s more?

While considering how to save money on utility bills, research other ways to save money for expats. From managing your budget to buying affordable basic clothing, there are plenty of options for you to explore.

Pro tip: save on overseas transfers. Yes, it’s possible if you use Profee:

1. No hidden fees
2. Unmatched exchange rates
3. Little to no fees depending on your destination

With Profee, you will not have to overpay to support your family. Send your first transfer with 0% fees today and make your loved ones smile without spending a fortune.

Final thoughts

Living as an expat often means adapting to new challenges, but managing your utilities doesn’t have to be one of them. These renter-friendly strategies will help you master how to save money on utility bills without making permanent changes to your home. From using simple tips to reduce monthly bills to thoughtful communication with your landlord, a little effort can lead to big savings.

Approach these tips to lower electric and other bills and enjoy your life in Europe.