Have you ever been hit with an unanticipatedly high bill for energy and wondered what led to this sudden increase? Perhaps the rates are higher, or you’re using more power than usual.
Numerous factors can influence an increased energy cost, from lifestyle changes to house inefficiencies. Understanding these aspects can help you understand the causes behind your specific increase in energy costs. In turn, you can take measures to deal with them.
According to the saying, You cannot fix the issue without knowing the problem.
This article will look at the most common causes of increasing energy costs and provide valuable tips to cut costs. However, most importantly, we’ll assist you in finding the root of the ever-present, nagging issue: Why is my bill for energy so costly?
WHAT INCREASES HOUSEHOLD ENERGY USE?
Here are a few factors that can increase your household’s energy consumption, which can increase your energy bills.
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
The more (if not all) frequently cited motives for having higher-than-average energy bills are seasonal variations.
Unexpectedly, high temperatures (hot and cold) typically increase energy use. For instance, air conditioners work in summer to ensure your house stays tremendous and cozy. While heating systems consume more power during winter to keep your home warm and comfortable.
Be aware of the impact of seasonal changes on your energy usage, and then alter your thermostat settings to reflect this.
INEFFICIENT APPLIANCES
Inefficient or old appliances will definitely result in higher energy bills.
Look at the older versions of these appliances, like refrigerators, washers, dryers, washing machines, and dishwashers. They can be loud and sometimes make you feel like they’re flying off into space while in use! Although going to play will require a lot of power and energy consumption, home appliances do not need much to accomplish their tasks.
The newer models consume less energy and are more durable long-term. Therefore, consider the option if you own older appliances and have the funds for a replacement.
If you can, try to get more recent models with Energy Star certification -Manufacturers specifically design their products to reduce energy consumption.
MAJOR CHANGES TO YOUR HOME OR APPLIANCES
Another essential aspect of using energy is to make specific improvements to your home.
For instance, putting in pools and hot tubs or even purchasing an electric car (EV) and a charger for an EV can significantly impact the cost of your energy. They all drain a lot on the use of electricity.
Many customers decide to go solar after making one of these significant purchases to reduce their electricity expenses.
PHANTOM POWER CONSUMPTION
It’s possible that you aren’t familiar with the notion of Phantom power (also called standby power). In simple terms, it’s the reality that many electronic devices consume energy even when they’re not in use or standby mode.
Televisions, computers, game consoles, and phones are all common culprits of phantom power. These devices are likely to use energy when they plug into the power source, which means they are a part of your energy bill.
Unplug these devices or utilize power strips to turn off several devices simultaneously.
POOR INSULATION
At home, insufficient insulation can result in substantial energy loss. Why? As you may think, poor insulation can allow warm or cool cold air out. This causes the heating or cooling system to be more efficient in maintaining the temperature of your indoor space.
Examine your door and window insulation in your basement, attic, and window for leaks and gaps. If you find any, you should consider adding or improving insulation. It is possible to do this by a variety of methods:
- Use caulk to seal air vents.
- Include an insulation jacket for your heater (and sleeves for its pipes).
- Place blocks of foam on your door to the outside.
- Apply insulation film to your windows.
- Install reflectors on your radiator.
- Install thick carpets to keep your floors cool.
- Buy thermal blinds for your windows.
- Install draught excluders to the exterior doors.
- Install insulation materials (such as cotton and foam) inside your attic (ceiling and walls).
LEAKY DUCTS
If your home has central cooling or heating systems, leaky pipes could result in energy losses.
What exactly does it mean? The conditioned air escapes through gaps before it reaches the rooms it intended to go. This system can compensate for this loss, which results in increased energy usage.
Getting a professional inspection of the ducts and repairing any leaks is recommended to increase energy efficiency. Don’t forget to try it on your own. It’s not wise to do household chores that require particular expertise, as you can worsen the situation!
HIGH WATER USAGE
Water heating is yet another factor in terms of energy losses because it accounts for a large amount of your energy costs.
Here are a few top areas that can add to your cost:
- Hot showers that last for a long time
- Hot water is the best option for many loads of laundry
- The dishwasher is often used
The seemingly insignificant household chores can drain your energy faster than you think.
Reduce water use by taking short (and more cool) showers, using cold water for laundry whenever possible, and putting on loads of dishwashers. Ensure you don’t leave the water running even when not in use!
LIGHTING CHOICES
Traditional incandescent lights use significantly more energy and produce more heat than energy-efficient options such as LED bulbs.
The LEDs used in residential lighting (especially those with Energy Star ratings) use about 75 percent more energy than incandescent lighting.
It would be best if you considered switching your bulbs to LED bulbs. They’re not just using less energy but also have longer lifespans.
BEHAVIORAL HABITS
It’s not surprising that our habits and behaviors can also result in higher costs for energy.
For example, leaving the lights on in rooms that are not being used, constantly changing the thermostat, or not turning off appliances can result in excessive energy use. Be aware of your habits when it comes to energy use, and make minor adjustments when you can to help save energy.
Furthermore, visitors could also add to your expenses (think children and their buddies staying home during summer or grandparent’s visits during the holiday season). If there are more people at home, you’re likely to see more items in use, like more lighting in rooms, TVs on the go, and more.
Additionally, many workers work from home or, at the very least, can do a hybrid work style. Ultimately, the energy cost is more expensive because they are at home for extended periods instead of working all the time during regular working hours.
TAKEAWAYS: TIPS TO LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILL
“Why is my energy bill so high?” Now you know the most frequent motives!
Let’s review the most important ways to reduce your energy use and lower your monthly utility bills:
- Do an audit of your energy usage. Consider hiring a professional energy auditor or conducting an energy audit to discover energy efficiency issues within your home.
- Utilize a programmable thermostat. Set your thermostat to regulate temperatures based on your schedule, allowing for energy savings while asleep or away.
- Maximize the use of appliances. Use full loads of water in your washing machine and dishwasher, and use cold water whenever possible. Try air-drying clothes rather than using a dryer as often as possible (it may seem like a little “Little House on the Prairie,” but your wallet will be grateful).
- Air leaks are sealed. Caulk or weatherstrip gaps around doors and windows to keep air-conditioned (hot and cool) air from leaving your home. It will be apparent that indoor temperatures are more manageable.
- Unplug devices that are not in use. Unplug devices, chargers, and appliances when they are not being used to prevent phantom power usage.
- Make the switch to efficient and energy-saving lighting. Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with LEDs that save energy all over your home.
- Inform the household. Encourage energy-saving practices within the family. One method is to discuss the disadvantages of having a huge carbon footprint. This will raise awareness of the effects of consuming a lot of energy on your energy bills.
INVEST IN CLEAN ENERGY SOURCES
While the above tips will help you reduce your energy use, a complete lifestyle change will take time. Old habits die hard, right?
As such, taking additional steps to live an environmentally responsible lifestyle is possible. One example is to invest in energy sources that are sustainable and clean.
We can be sure that you’ll require electricity in your home. Therefore, finding ways to get green energy should be a priority, besides reducing your consumption overall.
Solar panels are an excellent solution.
When you reduce the carbon footprint of your home as well as power your home using one of the most eco-friendly energy sources, solar energy. Sunlight by using solar panels. You could also consider investing in an alternative power source like SunPower SunVault and TeslaPowerwall to boost energy autonomy.
So alternative energy will meet your energy requirements. If you need extra energy during the day, you’ll have your solar battery in place to provide the power.
CONTACT FREEDOM SOLAR POWER FOR EFFICIENT SUNPOWER SOLAR PANELS
Understanding the causes contributing to the rise in costs for energy and implementing strategies to save energy, You can charge your energy consumption and lower the amount you pay each month.
Remember that even minor modifications to your daily routine could result in significant savings in the long run. However, if you want to change how your money is going, contact Freedom Solar to purchase solar panels.