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AARP Oklahoma’s Top 10 Tips for Lowering Utility Bills

Hannah Carl,

AARP Oklahoma

Published October 22, 2026

Close-up of a person's hand using a calculator and counting money

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Utility bills can quickly turn into a money pit if you’re not thinking ahead, especially in the extreme Oklahoma weather. Here are some ways to conserve energy and save money, as well as some resources that can help you figure out where your money is going.

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1. Find Where Your Energy is Going

Energy usage can depend on what appliances you use. Some appliance brands can use more energy than others. ENERGY STAR recommends investing in smart appliances that optimize your energy use, track usage patterns and suggest energy-saving actions.

2. Set Up a Home Energy Audit

Some utility providers offer home energy audits, which pinpoint what parts of a home’s heating and cooling system and structure are inefficient. They also help determine where upgrades to your home may make it more energy-efficient and have the fastest payback period. Your utility provider may provide this service for free or at a charge. - U.S. Department of Energy

3. Ensure Your Home is Leak-Free

Air leaks are commonly one of the greatest causes of energy loss and skyrocketing bills. Weatherizing your home is one of the smartest ways to ensure your home is leak-free. By caulking, weatherstripping and sealing all openings to the outside, you can save 10 to 20 percent on your heating and cooling bills. For more information on air sealing your home, visit this guide. - U.S. Department of Energy

4. Turn Your Thermostat Back Temporarily

By simply turning your thermostats back 10 to 15 percent for 8 hours, you may save money on your bills. Smart thermostats have become a popular way to cut heating and cooling costs. If you want to avoid manually turning it back every time, install an automatic setback or programmable thermostat. - ENERGY STAR

5. Install Energy Efficient Lighting

One of the fastest ways to lower your bills is by installing energy efficient lighting. According to the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Public Utilities page and the Department of Energy, installing new lighting technologies in your home, even in only your 5 most used light fixtures, can reduce electric bills by $40 a year. Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs), light emitting diodes (LEDs) and outdoor solar lighting may all contribute to lower energy bills. - ENERGY STAR

6. Maximize Efficiency on your Current Appliances

Save costs on your dishwasher by only running it when it is completely full and turning the heated drying selection off.

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Clean the coils on the back of your refrigerator and make sure the seals on the door are intact and tight. Set the temperature in the refrigerator compartment between 36° Fahrenheit (F) and 40°F. According to the Department of Energy, temperatures below this will unnecessarily increase energy use while providing no additional benefit to food storage, and temperatures above 40°F increase the chances for food spoilage.

7. Utilize a Weatherization Assistance Program

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s Weatherization Assistance Program provides no-cost weatherization assistance to qualifying lower-income Oklahoma households, including renters and homeowners. Services can include caulking, weatherstripping and heating/cooling system improvements.

8. Keep Power Cords Unplugged

Cut power costs by turning your computer off or using “sleep” mode when not in use. Additionally, unplug home office items like device chargers and lamps from the wall, or use power strips with an on/off switch to reduce power consumption. - U.S. Department of Energy

9. Give Your AC a Break

By utilizing battery-powered portable fans and changing your air filters regularly, you can cut back on air conditioning usage and ensure your system is operating smoothly. - U.S. Department of Energy

10. Water Bill Reduction

Make sure your home is free of water leaks. To ensure this, read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when water is not being used. If the dials are moving, or the meter does not have the same reading both times, there may be a leak.

Only wash clothes when you have full loads. If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, look for one that can adjust water usage to the size of the load.

Instead of pouring unnecessary water down the drain, find other uses for it, such as watering plants. - EPA Water Sense

There are many resources available online for more tips to lower your utility bills. Visit websites such as the Department of Energy, Energy Star, EPA Water Sense and more.

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