Is My Electricity Bill Too High? See Factors Impacting Your Use

Do you wonder if your electricity bill is too high? Energy consumption is expensive, but there are ways to lower your costs. 

If you’re determined to do some research and take some simple steps, you can lower your electricity bill. And the first step is knowing how you’re consuming your energy.

However, you can reduce costs without sacrificing your quality of life.

Let’s dive into how to lower an expensive electric bill by exploring the factors that impact your use.

1. Old Appliances

Most homeowners don’t replace appliances as often as they should. In fact, most appliances last on average seven years in homes.

Now, you might question, “why would I want to replace my appliances if the ones I have work just fine?”

Appliances are expensive, and replacing them can be pricey. But, the older appliances consume a lot more energy than the newer ones.

Nowadays, modern appliances consume 10-50% less energy. Newer models can help you save a lot of money thanks to their reduced energy consumption.

It would also be worth it to consider the cost of going solar. Having your home powered by solar energy is the best way to save money and reduce your energy consumption.

2. Using Appliances Inefficiently

When you are using appliances, there are a few things to consider. For starters, think about appliance wattage.

Some appliances have a higher wattage than others, and using them carelessly will make your electricity bill spike. Devices with a lower wattage consume less energy and aren’t as expensive to use. 

Then you have what is known as “vampire sources.” Vampire sources are the devices you leave turned on or plugged in when you’re not at home, such as your TV or fridge.

Even though these devices draw a small amount of energy, they all add up at the end of the month. 

3. Time of Use

There are times of the day when you use electricity more than others. Energy rates change throughout the day, and consuming electricity at night or first thing in the morning might be twice as expensive.

So, it’s good to keep track of the peak hours and do your house chores at the right time to use less electricity. 

4. Irregular Thermostat Use

The thermostat is expensive to use, and it’s one of the main reasons why your electricity bill is high. Because your thermostat controls your home’s temperature, it plays a central role in regulating the amount of electricity you’re using. 

You can get a programmable thermostat to ensure that it is adjusted as often as it should be. These thermostats help you to adjust the temperature on your smartphone.

5. Electricity Bill Too High? Keep These Factors in Mind

Some factors can be out of your control when it comes to energy use. Yet, keeping these things in mind can help you make simple adjustments in your routine that can help if your electricity bill is too high. 

You can also check your usage by using an online energy efficiency tool to help you know how you’re consuming electricity.

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