Adulting really changes your point of view. Now, I really understand why my parents told me to turn off the lights when I wasn’t sitting in a room. No need in running up the electric bill.
As a dog mom, energy costs can increase when trying to keep your dog comfortable. So, in this blog post we’re talking utility bills and tips to save money on your utility and energy bills as a dog parents.
WHAT ARE UTILITY COSTS?
Dog mom utility costs are the monthly expenses related to keeping your home comfortable and safe for both you and your dog. These expenses include electricity, water, heating, cooling, and other services required to maintain a healthy environment for your dog. Running the air conditioning during hot months or heating during colder months can increase your energy usage, especially if you’re adjusting the temperature to keep your dog comfortable. Additionally, using appliances like washing machines for pet bedding or extra baths for your dog can also contribute to higher utility bills. In fact, a poll conducted by E. ON company found that half of dog parents heat their house more than they would if they didn’t have a pet.
CAN DOG MOMS GET A UTILITY BILL DISCOUNT?
Utility companies don’t often offer direct discounts specifically for pet owners, there are many indirect ways to reduce your utility expenses by taking advantage of existing programs, practicing mindful energy use, and making small adjustments to benefit you and your dog.
Check for Low-Income or Energy Assistance Programs – Many utility companies offer low-income energy assistance programs that can help reduce monthly utility bills for qualifying households. While these programs aren’t specific to pet owners, they can provide much-needed relief if you’re juggling the costs of both pet care and household expenses.
Energy Assistance Program (EAP): This program helps low-income households cover the costs of heating and cooling their homes. It’s worth checking with your local energy provider to see if you qualify.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): A federal program that helps low-income families with their energy bills, it may also help pet owners who are struggling to manage utility costs.
Apply for Medical Baseline Programs – Some utility companies offer Medical Baseline Programs that provide discounts on utility bills for individuals who need to use more electricity due to medical needs, such as keeping the home at a certain temperature. If your dog requires a specific environment due to age or health issues, you may qualify for this program. Contact your energy provider to ask about eligibility for medical baseline discounts.
Take Advantage of Off-Peak Pricing – Many utility companies offer off-peak pricing, where electricity is cheaper during certain hours of the day (often late at night or early in the morning). If you can adjust your routine, such as running your washing machine or charging devices during off-peak hours, you can save money on your monthly bills. This also applies to household activities that involve your pet, such as running the dryer to clean pet bedding or blankets.
ENERGY-SAVING TIPS FOR DOG MOMS
Beyond seeking discounts, pet owners can take simple steps to reduce their utility bills. Keeping your home comfortable for your dog doesn’t have to be costly if you implement a few mindful practices.
Set Your Thermostat With Intention – While we want our dogs to be comfortable, it’s possible to save money on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat when you’re not home. Dogs are generally comfortable in temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re leaving the house for several hours, consider lowering the thermostat in the winter or raising it in the summer by a few degrees to reduce energy usage. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures during the day, saving energy while you’re away.
Utilize Ceiling Fans and Natural Ventilation – Instead of relying solely on air conditioning or heating, use ceiling fans to circulate air and create a comfortable environment for your dog. In warmer months, open windows and doors, when possible, to allow for natural ventilation, which can reduce the need for constant air conditioning.
Keep Your Dog’s Bedding and Sleeping Area Energy-Efficient – Your dog’s comfort zone is important, but it doesn’t have to cost a lot in energy use. Use energy-efficient pet bedding, such as self-warming or cooling mats, which can help regulate your dog’s body temperature without needing to constantly adjust your home’s thermostat. These mats don’t require electricity, saving both energy and money.
BAKING PUPCAKES & ENERGY SAVINGS
You might not think that baking pupcakes can help you save on your utility bills, but when you get creative, baking at home can contribute to energy efficiency and even lower your monthly costs. Here are three ways baking pupcakes can help:
Meal Prep for You & Your Dog – Plan a meal prep day for you and your dog. If you’re already using the oven to meal prep for yourself, you can bake your dog pupcakes at the same time. By using the oven for several purposes, you can maximize the energy being used and reduce the need to run it separately for each task. This simple multitasking approach can help you cut down on utility bills.
Batch Bake to Save Energy – Baking pupcakes in batches can help with energy efficiency. Consider baking large batches of pupcakes at once. It not only saves on electricity or gas (depending on your oven type), but also cuts down on the time you need to spend in the kitchen, allowing you to make the most of your energy use. Freeze the extra pupcakes for future use. That way, you’ll have pupcakes for your dog without having to use more energy by baking from scratch each time.
Oven Heat for Warming the House – During colder months, using your oven can warm up your kitchen, which may mean you can lower your thermostat. After you’re done baking pupcakes, leave the oven door slightly open (once it’s turned off and safe) to let the residual heat circulate through your kitchen. This can provide a little extra warmth, which may allow you to delay turning on your heating system.
KEEP THAT ENERGY
Adulting means bills. Dog mom adulting still means we got bills, but we get to cuddle up with our fur baby as a bonus. I’ve learned that saving money on those bills sometimes means you have to be creative and think outside of the box. It’s also important to research to find resources that will help you.
So, we’d love to hear your pupcake story. How do you save on your utility bills during the holiday season? Stay connected and share your pupcake stories with us @pupcakesugar.
Check out our pupcake recipe eBook, Sugar’s Dish: My Start from Scratch Story & 10 “Easy As Pupcake” Recipes to Try at Home. This eBook includes 10 beginner pupcake recipes for you to try at home with your dog.
You’ll also get a chance to step into Sugar’s world. I love my dog, Sugar, and her daily shenanigans make me laugh. So, I created an illustrated character inspired by her and her love of pupcakes. Sugar’s character is a “pupcakepreneur” that owns and operates her own pupcakery called Pupcake Sugar. It’s a tongue twister, but it’s amazing what you can create when you let your imagination lead the way.
Also, sign up for the Pupcake Sugar mailing list to get Sugar’s favorite birthday pupcake recipe to try at home with your dog. It’s great for dog moms who are new to baking dog treats.
