It’s worrying when you get your energy bill and find that it’s way higher than expected. Over the years, it has probably gone up, and you’ve attributed the hike to increased usage.
You may be thinking your kids are a bit older now and using more electricity. Or you have more people in your home and appliances. Whatever the reason, that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. The good news is that there are ways to find out why your energy bill is so high and lower it. Here are common reasons.
Using Ordinary Bulbs
Halogen and standard incandescent bulbs use the most energy. They could lead to high energy bills if you have them in every room. Replacing them with CFL or LED bulbs will use a lot less energy and save you money. LEDs such as EmeryAllen use at least 75% less energy than standard bulbs.
Go a step further to install smart lights. They use less energy and are remotely controlled. The lights go on at set schedules or when they detect motion. It means you won’t have lights on unnecessarily, hiking the bill.
Leaving Things on Standby
Turning everything off at the switch can significantly lower your energy bill. It’s common to leave electrical devices on standby, but most people don’t realize that they’re still using electricity even when they’re not in use. Better still, unplug things that you don’t use regularly.
Older Appliances
When your appliances get older, they start to use more energy. This can pile up on your bill and cause it to be higher than you’re used to. Old appliances have to work harder to do their jobs, so they use more electricity. They could also be inefficient, which means you’re spending more but not getting quality service. Opt for energy-star-rated newer appliances. They are environmentally friendly and use significantly less power.
Infographic Provided By Solar Panel Installation Company, Sunburst Solar
Keeping the Temperature Too High or Low
If you keep your home too warm in winter or vice versa in summer, it will show on your energy bill. You don’t have to live in complete discomfort to save money either. Find a happy medium that you can live with and lower your energy usage. Use a programmable thermostat to save even more money without compromising comfort. Set the thermostat to a lower temperature when you aren’t at home. Don’t turn it up too high when around.
Poor Home Insulation
If your home is not properly insulated, you could be losing heat or cool air through the walls, roof, and floor. This makes your HVAC system work harder than it needs to, which means you’ll pay more for energy. Add more insulation to the attic and crawl spaces. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to keep the cool or warm air inside where it belongs.
Additionally, have the HVAC system regularly serviced to ensure that it’s working optimally. Ensure all the windows are shut when you turn on the heater or air conditioner so as not to waste energy.
Not Using Appliances At Capacity
Always have a full load when washing clothes and dishes. If you’re not using the dishwasher or washing machine to capacity, you’re wasting water and energy. Wait until you have a full load before you run these appliances.
Carry Out an Energy Audit
To permanently solve the problem of a high energy bill, first carry out an energy audit. It will help you identify the main areas where your home is losing energy. After that, make the necessary changes to seal those areas and improve insulation. You’ll quickly realize a difference in your energy bill.
