If you are like most homeowners, you have experienced the rather unpleasant surprise of opening an electricity bill that’s much bigger than you anticipated. When this happens, you may find yourself scrambling to understand what caused your bill to skyrocket.
Have you ever wondered if there were steps you could take to understand why the bill as so high? Did you want to know tips and tricks you could use to prevent these types of surprises in the future? If so, you’re in the right place. Look at some of the most common reasons your home is an electricity sponge (and what you can do about it) here.
The Weather
The weather outside matters. The colder or the hotter weather is outside, the harder your heating and cooling system has to work to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.
For example, it is 104 degrees outside, and you set your thermostat to 70 inside, that’s a difference of 34 degrees. Your AC is going to be running (sometimes non-stop) to make up this difference. This is why most experts recommend you set your thermostat at 78 degrees during the summer months. This reduces the difference in temperature inside and outside your home, making it more manageable for your thermostat.
The situation is very similar during the colder months of the year, just reversed. The colder it gets outside, the higher you tend to set the thermostat. This means your heating system has to keep running to make up for this difference. That’s why it is a good idea to set your thermostat at 68 degrees during the winter months.
Air Leaks
Leaky windows and doors are another cause of increased energy costs. If a seal is damaged, broken, or not installed properly, your house is going to lose temperature-controlled air. Your cooling and heating system then have to work harder to make up for this loss, which results in higher electricity consumption, and, in turn, increased energy bills. If you don’t fix even the smallest leaks, you may notice increased energy costs.
Outdated Appliances
If you have appliances that are more than 15 years, they are not as energy efficient as the contemporary counterparts, which means they consume more energy to do the same amount of work. While there’s no need to get rid of the old appliances, you do need to replace the smaller components, including the coils, condensers, and filters.
Also, if your freezer or refrigerator has a damaged or leaking seal, they may experience efficiency issues related to age, which is going to make them even more expensive to repair. At some point, when repairs are no longer viable, it’s a good idea to replace the appliance altogether.
Reducing Your Home Electrical Costs
If you want to reduce your home’s electricity bill, make sure to keep the common causes of high costs in mind. Doing so is going to pay off and ensure you get the low prices you are looking for.
Looking for a professional electrician in Kansas City? Contact Fusion Electric today!
