{"id":499,"date":"2022-10-26T11:48:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-26T16:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.texstarenergycorp.com\/?p=499"},"modified":"2022-10-24T11:50:55","modified_gmt":"2022-10-24T16:50:55","slug":"5-things-that-increase-your-electricity-bill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.texstarenergycorp.com\/blog\/5-things-that-increase-your-electricity-bill","title":{"rendered":"5 Things that Increase your Electricity Bill"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Power bills change a bit from month to month, reflecting small differences in electricity use. When your energy costs jump by a significant amount, however, you know there\u2019s a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Issues such as a faulty electricity meter<\/a> may be the reason your bill jumped so high, but equipment failures are rare. More than likely, you can trace the increase to something or someone using too much power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tips below will help you identify and resolve the problem. You can bring your electricity payments back to an affordable amount and maybe even save some money at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Older, energy-heavy appliances<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

New appliances and machines are made to use less electricity. Older designs don\u2019t have the same power efficiency. They consume more energy than necessary, driving up your electricity costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ENERGY STAR<\/a> certified appliances, for instance, can use up to 50% less electricity than older models. Though you get the same basic functionality, you pay far less in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may swear by your ancient washing machine\u2019s dependability, but you could be spending more in power costs than you\u2019re saving in repairs. The same goes for refrigerators, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your appliances are ten years old or more, it\u2019s to get a new model. Compare the power requirements of your current machine against the new options to understand how much you can save. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Inefficient power use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, \u201cuser error\u201d is the most likely reason that your power bill has gone up<\/a>. Now, that doesn\u2019t mean that you\u2019ve left too many lights on or opened the windows without shutting off the air conditioner. Those actions may increase your usage, but there are other, less-obvious ways you may be using your electricity inefficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vampire devices are a common culprit. These devices use energy at all times, even when they\u2019re turned off. A TV, for example, needs to stay connected to the remote so it knows when to turn on. Maintaining that connection requires a small amount of constant energy usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, devices such as microwaves and ovens use continuous energy to display the time on their displays. Computers will consume power to stay in sleep mode. Your various chargers may even draw energy when they\u2019re not connected to your devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get in the habit of unplugging any devices that don\u2019t need to be connected. Chargers, computers, speakers, and other devices can be disconnected until you need them. You can also unplug larger appliances, such as TVs and microwaves, though that may be more hassle than it’s worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unsurprisingly, how you set your thermostat plays a significant role in your power usage as well. If you saw a big jump in your bill during the summer, you may be seeing the costs of cooling your home. Heating can create similar spikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minimize your heating and cooling costs by setting your thermostat strategically. Only run your HVAC system while you\u2019re at home, letting the house reach less costly temperatures while you\u2019re out. Find alternatives to running your system, such as using space heaters or opening the windows on a cool day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, avoid frequent temperature changes. Your HVAC system will use more energy if you turn the thermostat up and down throughout the day rather than leaving it at a consistent temperature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your water heater can also cause high electricity bills. It keeps your water heated to the temperature you set at all times. Even when you\u2019re not using hot water, your heater is using electricity to warm the water in the tank. Turn this temperature down to reduce your costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Insufficient insulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some houses lack proper insulation. Even if you use your HVAC system moderately, the hot or cold air won\u2019t stay inside. With inefficient insulation, your system will have to work twice as hard to keep the house at the right temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most temperature-regulated air escapes through poorly-insulated walls, but it can also get out through the attic, windows, doors, and the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your home\u2019s electric bill is unusually high, especially during extreme temperatures, you should evaluate the insulation. You can hire an auditor to inspect the home, though it can be pricey. Checking the attic insulation, as well as the door and window frames, yourself is another option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Energy-inefficient light bulbs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are several types of light bulbs, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n