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Despite our best efforts to economize and lead more eco-friendly lives, few of us are are paying less for our utilities than we were a few years ago. According to an October 2026 report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration , households that use electricity will pay about 4 percent more than they did last year; households with oil will pay about 21 percent more this winter. Most of us are willing to try new cost-saving measures to get our utility spending out of the stratosphere, but these ill-advised actions will only cost you more in the long run.

1. Heating an Empty House

Photo: iStock

If you’re away from home for most of the day, or if you travel on the weekends, don’t leave the house on the same temperature settings you would if you were home all day. Purchasing a programmable thermostat can save you money on energy bills.…