11 Reasons Why Is My Electric Bill So High?
The increasing electricity prices are perfect subjects for resentment and financial strain. In 2020, the same American households stated they had trouble paying their utility bills, which were 27 %, and they also said they maintained their homes at precarious temperatures. Regarding the air conditioning and heating contractors, on average, the cost of the utilities of the typical US home is 5%, heating leads at 29%, and cooling at 13%.
Because of sudden fluctuations in the weather, it looks as if you just can’t give the increased electric bills the proper attention they deserve. But do not despair—not yet! Doing many things that would result in reduced electric bills is possible. For instance, replacing the smart thermostat or AC controller to control the cooling and heating process reduces electric bills significantly.
Find out more about why your electricity consumption is high and how to manage it. These helpful suggestions will allow you to save large amounts of money and will only take a few minutes to implement.
Possible Causes of High Electricity Bill
Although you may have been trying your hardest to avoid using electricity, you may have engaged in some bad behaviours that have led to a high electric cost.
1.You’re Lazy about AC maintenance
According to the survey data, expenditure on air conditioning accounts for 17% of total household electricity bills. In the regions with higher humidity levels, this number is 27 per cent. If this is ignored, it can be seen that this figure can rise significantly higher. if your AC filters had become clogged, then the desired cooling from the AC must be provided by an AC which is more energy efficient and thus uses more energy. Fortunately, AC Repair Techs will help you keep track of the cleanliness of your air filters by sending regular reminders. Regular AC maintenance can also help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
2.You are the one who uses the most energy When you are at Peak Times
If you think that high electricity tariffs are shocking despite having turned off power at many areas where you do not require it, think about when you use most energy. Electric companies have higher prices per unit at certain times of the day to reduce the energy being used. Thus, if your electricity cost is not very high, it is possible to save electricity and not use our appliances like all the other people!
In summer, there may be a peak tariff during the day – between 12 and 6 p.m.- when people use their air conditioning to the maximum. Avoiding use during this time or setting your AC higher could be helpful and can lower your electric bills.
In addition to the air conditioner, Do not use the vacuum, washer, and dishwasher appliances during these times to fulfil the energy consumption limit.
3. You've Leaky Doors and Windows
Studs are found to be the weakest link in the Building Envelope, followed by the doors and windows. Even though you think your walls are well insulated, if the caulk or weather strip around the windows and doors is worn out your heater or air conditioner cannot work properly. This will mean they will have to work, increasing the energy used and the energy bill.
4. Your home requires proper insulation
The major cause of high electricity bills is your home's lack of adequate insulation services. Heat always transfers from hot bodies to colder bodies within a system, and heat transfer is done by conduction, convection, and radiation. Therefore, it is indoors, struggling to go outside during the winter. Finally, your air conditioning unit has to work hard to bring cooler temperatures during summer, and your heater must also maintain warm temperatures during winter.
Properly installed insulation prevents heat transfer via convection, conduction, and radiation. This makes it simpler for the air conditioning system to maintain the desired temperature. The AC doesn't have to work overtime to cool or heat the space, reducing energy consumption and helping avoid an expensive electric bill.
If you're convinced of the advantages of insulation but don't know where or how to start, look at our 101 guide to insulation for homes.
5. You can cool your entire home Even when you don't need to
Most people can only occupy one or two rooms at a time. Yet, they must switch on the entire house's air conditioner. This is a big waste of energy and can lead to many expenses. One way to solve this problem is to set up HVAC zones. HVAC zones use dampers to enable you to create portions of your home that have distinctly different temperatures. Your AC will not have to try too hard to cool the whole house for you.
6.If you have any old equipment, such as an old HVAC System or any other old Appliances
Older air conditioners are known to be associated with tremendous power consumption. An average air conditioner could have a lifespan of about ten years. Still, within the years of usage, certain components, such as a compressor, work less efficiently. Older compressor models draw a lot more power. They pointed out that existing air conditioners have much higher EER and SEER ratings when Energy Star regulations are tightened than those of older models.
Besides old air conditioners, energy savages include older appliances like washers and fridges. The ordinary wearing out weakens the efficiency of the old appliances, and they have to run forever and consume a lot of electricity. Technology is on the increase; therefore, modern-day appliances are becoming efficient. An old refrigerator consumes 35 per cent more energy than an Energy Star-certified refrigerator. Wipe out appliances once they become obsolete because they will not be useful anymore in your house. Unless you do this, you pay a lot for the power bills.
7. You keep a spare refrigerator
Most households own an additional refrigerator, often stored in the basement, but many do not know that this results in high electric rates. However, if you are not using your refrigerator, it will pull power if it is connected somehow. If you have a spare and an empty fridge, ask yourself whether you need it. If you need an additional refrigerator, always keep something else in it or remove it.
The next time you try to find out what is driving your electricity bill through the roof, check yourself into the basement and the inefficient refrigerator.
8. You keep your Water Heater at a High Temperature
Depending on the kind of heater you use in your home, it may be due to the temperature of the water heater. Space and water heating are responsible for about 14 % to 18% of the energy bill. One should understand that it means a greater possibility of decreasing the electric bill due to the diminished cost of water heaters. Regrettably, most households keep their water heaters at a higher temperature than necessary.
Many water heaters have the feature of selecting a temperature, which is usually set at 140F. According to the experts, setting it at 120F is safer. Reducing the temperature of your water heater is one way to reduce energy consumption, and you will not risk getting burned.
Another creative way to reduce the water heater bill is to use a blanket to insulate your water heater. This can help avoid heat escape, and the heater will not have to work harder to maintain the temperature.
9. Dryers are frequently used
One of the major causes of high electricity bills is drying every load of clothing. You need not spend a lot of money on devising the best clothesline for conducting electricity; that simple thing alone will help reduce the bills significantly. Each hour spent on dryers reportedly runs between 24 and 72 cents. Thus, if you use your dryer for each washer, you will likely pay through your nose. If you want to minimize these costs, if you are in good weather, do not wear clothes, bathe naked, and hang your wears outside to dry. Your wallet will be grateful!
10. You Still Use Incandescent Light Bulbs
Looking at the usage of electrical appliances, if your home lighting uses traditional incandescent bulbs, they could be the main culprit of your high bills. Incandescent light bulbs consume a lot of power when compared to LED bulbs. The estimates obtained point towards average potential annual savings of about $225 for households that use LED bulbs. Once more, LEDs are not just cheaper than the other lighting options but are also very resistant. If you invest in them, you’ll not have to replace your lighting fixtures for a long time. So, what are you wasting your time on? Switch today!
11. Dishwashers and washing machines are appliances that most people use frequently
Items such as dishwashers and washing machines are classified as energy gluttons. Besides, they also consume a lot of energy, and energy use is besides heating water, increasing the amount of water you use. The good news is that there is no great hardship in saving thousands of pounds on dishwashers and washing machines. All that is required of you is to be more careful. For example, don’t load your dishwasher; run the machine for only one or two dishes. However, let it wait to be filled and run it at the closer end of your day, or when you are through your day’s task.
Also, you don't have to wash your machine each day. Instead, schedule a day or two to do the week's laundry. Simple and simple steps can greatly reduce your electricity bill.
