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Homeowner receives cost-cutting advice after getting hit with 'through the roof' utility bills: 'Our total bill is around $1,000 a month'

"It feels unsustainable."

One homeowner shared their frustration with a massive electricity bill in a Reddit post, leading to advice about going solar.

Photo Credit: iStock

One homeowner wanted to reduce their utility bills and considered every option, but advice from Reddit users might give them the encouragement to make a couple of planet-friendly upgrades.

The scoop

The original poster wrote about their dilemma in the r/Homeowners subreddit. In the post, the Redditor said that they live in a 3,700-square-foot split-level home in New York with three heating and cooling zones. Now, their electric bill is "through the roof" along with other charges. 

"Add in gas and our total bill is around $1,000 a month — it feels unsustainable," the Redditor wrote

Now, the homeowner is considering ways to lower their monthly payments, like installing solar. Tools like TCD's Solar Explorer can help homeowners better understand the benefits of solar energy. Many Reddit users seemed to agree that going solar is a great way to reduce those hefty costs. 


"Go solar before the tax credits run out," one commenter said. "Your solar panel bill will be less than your current electric bill." 

How it's helping

More than 5 million households in the United States have invested in solar energy, per the Solar Energy Industries Association. It's one of the best ways you can protect yourself against increasing energy costs. The eco-friendly upgrades also lower the amount of heat-trapping pollution in the atmosphere. 

If you want to take a look at your options, TCD's Solar Explorer can connect you with trusted installers who will help simplify the process of going solar. You can save up to $10,000 on the cost of installation by curating competitive bids from local installers. 

If you're on a budget, you can get $0-down subscription options. For example, Palmetto's LightReach leasing program is a subscription plan that can cut your utility rate by up to 20%. It also allows you to take advantage of federal tax credits that are disappearing for direct purchases. 

FROM OUR PARTNER

Save $10,000 on solar panels — or get them on your roof without paying for purchase or installation

Whatever your solar budget, Palmetto can help you save.

If you want to buy your own panels, Palmetto's concierge advisors can help you save up to $10,000 on installation through a network of preferred installers. And if you'd rather get solar savings without upfront costs, Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach subscription program can deliver.

LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it painless to lock in long-term savings. Palmetto covers a 25-year warranty for the panels, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs.

To get started, just answer a few basic questions about your home and connect with Palmetto's experts to find the option that's right for you.

There's also EnergySage, another Solar Explorer partner that will assist you during your solar journey by offering information about incentives and compiling bids. 

What everyone's saying

Many Redditors suggested solar panel installation as a solution for the homeowner, but others also recommended finding an efficient HVAC system. 

"Yes, replace that ancient AC unit," one commenter suggested. "Put in a heat pump to reduce your gas costs too (assuming you have gas heat)."

"Need to upgrade your HVAC," another commenter wrote

Pairing solar panels with other electric appliances like heat pumps can drive utility costs even lower. TCD's HVAC Explorer can help you find the perfect HVAC system for your home at the right price, slashing your heating and cooling bills by up to 50%. 

Keep even more money in your pocket by using the free Palmetto Home app. You can unlock up to $5,000 in rewards to spend on home upgrades by taking simple actions in your everyday life.   

💰Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.

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