Why Is My Electric Bill So High?
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When you get a higher-than-expected bill from your power company, you’ll want to explore the potential reasons and take action to prevent another abnormally high electric bill. This guide will help you understand a high energy bill and offer tips to bring it down.
What Causes High Electric Bills?
Many factors can cause high electric bills. These include the type and size of your home, your climate, your habits, and the cost of power.The average cost of electricityin the U.S. for residential customers is now $.16 per kilowatt hour, up from $.14 per kilowatt hour in 2022. Here are several factors behind higher electric bills and what you can do to lower yours.
1. Change in Seasons and Weather
Your air conditioner works harder on hot days and your heater must step up in the winter. You’ll consume more electricity if it powers both heating and air conditioning. Otherwise, you might be asking:Why is my natural gas bill high?If you are wondering “why my electric bill tripled in one month,” don’t simply compare it with last month. Compare it with your bill from the same time a year ago. You might see you don’t have an abnormally high electric bill after all. It could be a seasonal trend.
2. Changes in the Cost of Fuel Used for Power Generation
Despite rapid de-carbonization of the power grid, a large portion of power generation still uses fuel from gas, coal and oil. When it is extremely cold, you need more heat. And so does everyone else. When demand is pushed higher, fuel prices go up and thus so do electricity costs.
3. Current Events Impacting Costs
World events, such as the pandemic, war in Ukraine, activities by OPEC and natural disasters like storms and forest fires affect demand, availability, and price. Changes in regulations and laws on drilling and pipelines also affect fuel prices and the cost of electricity. You can explorehow electricity pricing worksto learn more about drivers of electricity costs.
4. Inadequate Insulation or Air Leaks
你可能不会注意到你家里的绝缘insufficient when temperatures are mild. In extreme cold, you may feel air leaks from windows and doors. When it is extremely hot, bad insulation makes it harder to keep cool. Ahome energy auditmay answer your question about why your electric bill is so high.
Indeed, poor insulation is a common factor in what causes high electric bills. An audit can help you when it comes tofinding air leaks in your home. You could put an end to energy waste and potentially cut your bill by beefing up your insulation. A simple thing, likehow to weatherstrip a door, can make a big difference.
5. Overdue HVAC Maintenance
What can you do when your electricity bill is too high? One way to help reduce energy costs is by performing HVAC maintenance.
Even if they’re not the newest models, your air conditioner and heater will be more efficient withclean filtersand motors that are running smoothly. If you have a clogged filter or worn parts, your system will have to work harder to achieve the same level of heat or cooling, consuming more electricity, leading to an abnormally high electric bill. FollowingHVAC lifespan tipsalso keep your systems running longer.
6. Using Energy During Peak Times
Seasonal demand changes are only part of the story. Demand can change throughout a day. At night, when most businesses are closed and people are asleep, demand may be lower. During the hottest summer days, demand in the late afternoon could be exceedingly high.
You may have access to plans that encourage you to run large appliances, like dishwashers, washers and dryers, ovens, AC units, and vacuums during evening off-peak times. You may be able to save money with plans that reward you for using such applianceswhen electricity rates are lowest.
7. Leaving Fans and Lights On
Leaving lights, fans, and appliances on when not in use can cause high bills. Leaving a light on is bad enough, it is worse with energy-wasting incandescent bulbs. Swap out bulbs for efficientLED lights. Turn off appliances like televisions, computers, game consoles and others when not in use. Properly placed fans may be worth leaving on if they circulate air and reduce how hard your HVAC must work.
8. Greater Use of Home & Devices
Working from home increases energy usage. You may run your air conditioner more or keep your heat higher to be comfortable. Your computer, printer and other electronics will draw energy all day. You may need brighter lighting, too.
You can reduce the impact by using efficient lighting and devices. Unplug and turn off devices when left idle. Plugging devices intosmart plugsthat automate turning them on and off can help. You won’t have to put effort into remembering to turn them off.
How to Possibly Save Money on Your Electricity Bill
The price of electricity is driven by complex factors. Rising prices are beyond your control. Changing a few habits, taking advantage ofenergy-saving tipsand a few DIY upgrades gives you more control of your bill.
Shop for a different energy supplier
If you live in anenergy choicestate, you can choose your supplier and shop for plans that work with your lifestyle to help save you money.
Switch from variable to fixed supply energy rates
You can help protect yourself from high fuel costs and an abnormally high electric bill by changing your power contract terms tolock in an electricity ratefor an entire year. It is tough budgeting with unpredictable variable rates.Fixed supply ratesgive you the ability to plan and could possibly save you money in the long run.
Upgrade home insulation and seal drafts
Adding and upgradinghome insulationand taking the time toseal draftsare efforts that could pay off in terms of comfort and energy savings.
Install a smart thermostat
Swap from a traditional thermostat to asmart model. They will maintain thebest thermostat settingsand optimize how your HVAC systems run as conditions change throughout the day, which could greatly improve energy efficiency and costs.
Adjust habits at home
Making small adjustments in home habits, like turning off lights,lowering the thermostat, making sure yourdishwasher is fullbefore running it, and usingdrapesandfansto manage sunlight can all help when you are faced with figuring out why your electric bill is so high.
比较电价为家里和缺点tellation
Eliminating waste and changing habits could go a long way to making sure you minimize high electric bills. If you live in a state with energy choice, it is worth exploring options with Constellation that may give you greater control over what you pay.