Electric bills cover a significant percentage of the monthly bills. If you are a keen person, you approximate the expected electric bill every month. Once you notice an increase in the electric bill, you need to determine why it is so high. Many reasons might cause high electric bills.
Learn five reasons why your electric bill may currently be so high.
1. Vampire Sources Draining Power
In most cases, you leave your appliances plugged in even when not using them. This can be a source of an increase in electric bills. Most modern appliances drain power even when turned off. Such appliances are the television, computer, certain kitchen appliances (don’t unplug the refrigerator!), and phone charger. Your television will keep draining energy even when not turned on when not in the house. If you leave your charger plugged in, it will still drain power even when it is not charging your phone.
Therefore, it would be best to unplug all your appliances after using them. When you leave the house, unplug all appliances from the socket. Turn the socket off and turn off the light bulbs to save energy.
2. Inefficient Heating and Cooling System
The heating and cooling system are essential to keep your house comfortable, warm, and cozy. The heating and cooling system accounts for the most significant of the electric bills.
An inefficient heating and cooling system will cause an increase in electric bills. When purchasing your heating and cooling system, ensure it has the label “energy efficient.” In addition to that, operate your system efficiently to avoid a rise in electric bills. Here are some of the ways of increasing the efficiency of your heating and cooling system:
- Install a programmable thermostat
- Clean your system’s outdoor unit
- Change the air filters regularly
- Schedule regular heating and cooling system maintenance
- Make use of curtains
3. Outdated Appliances and Electronic Devices
Outdated appliances and electronic devices are less energy efficient. Appliances and electric devices are costly. Once you buy them, you will need the appliances to serve you for the longest time possible. No matter how expensive upgrading is, sometimes you need to upgrade. Saving and buying a new and more energy-efficient appliance is way better than paying high electric bills every month.
Some appliances requiring upgrade are the refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, microwave, heating, cooling system, and washing machine. The new models of electric appliances use about four times less energy than the old ones. If you have outdated appliances, you can answer why you are paying high electric bills.
4. Rising Electric Rates
As time goes by, electricity is becoming more expensive. An increase in demand always increases the prices of the product. The same is happening with electricity. Energy costs have been facing a consistent increase over the years, which is a primary cause of increased electric bills. As technology advances, electric uses expand. According to the U.S Energy Information Administration, in November 2018, the average household paid 12.90 cents per kilowatt-hour. In November 2019, the households paid 13.04 cents per kilowatt-hour, which marks a 4% increase.
The increase is due to increased demand and consumption rates. When you understand the electricity demand charge on your bill, you will realize how much your household may be contributing to the price increase. Depending on your state, the electric costs might reduce with time. However, research shows a possible increase in electricity prices in the future.
5. Inadequate Insulation
Insulation is one of the ways to minimize energy use. When your house has inadequate insulation, there are high chances of increased electric bills. It would be best to close your windows to avoid increased energy use. Think about your heating and cooling system and how it works to keep your house warm. When your windows are open, the heated air will leave the house, and your system will have to work extra harder to keep your home warm.
Straining the heating and cooling system makes it consume more energy, which reflects on your electric bills. Most people do not check their attic insulation. Always call a professional to inspect your attic insulation. If you have a poorly insulated attic, they will increase the insulation.
Closing Remarks
Generally, there has been an increase in electric prices. However, there are various ways to minimize energy use in your house and lower the electric bills.
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