“Why is my electric bill so high?” This is a question we get a lot, so know that if your bill is sky-high, you aren’t alone. You also have the ability to make changes around your home to reduce your bill.
Here are the top four causes of a high electric bill and what you can do to help reduce your bill over time.
1. The Type of Lighting You’re Using
The type of lightbulbs you use can directly affect your monthly electric bill. From initial purchase cost to energy efficiency, there is a lot to consider when choosing LED vs traditional incandescent bulbs. In the end though, LED bulbs are the superior choice for efficiency and cost over time.
Why LED Bulbs?
Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are a newer generation of bulbs that use electroluminescence to produce light while using less energy than the old-fashioned incandescent bulbs. LED lighting also lasts up to 40 times longer, which in most cases, makes up for the higher initial price tag.
By switching to LED lighting, your high electric bill should decrease, and you’ll be making far fewer trips to the hardware store to replace old bulbs.
2. Extreme Temperatures
According to a 2021 study, the state of Florida ranks #5 for the highest monthly electric bills. This is no real surprise, as Floridians face high temperatures throughout the year. Unsurprisingly, your HVAC system is working hard, and using up huge amounts of electricity, to lower the temperature in your home nearly 24/7.
To lower your electric bill, check that your home is properly insulated. Areas such as door and window frames could have air leaks that are allowing the cool air inside your home to escape. If the cool air is kept inside your home where it belongs, that could translate to less run-time for your HVAC system and a lower monthly electricity bill.
3. Vampire Devices
Energy use by your electronics is a large component of your utility bill, and vampire devices are the main culprits. A vampire device is any device that may be plugged in all the time, even when not in use. Vampire devices continuously absorb energy and could be what causes a high electric bill for your home.
Vampire devices may include:
- Computers, printers, and related equipment.
- Phone chargers.
- Surround sound systems and large-screen TVs.
- Any other device that is in “standby” mode and ready to be turned on.
Since most homes have several vampire devices, the energy consumption can add up and cost you unnecessary money. Thankfully, this one is an easy fix: to reduce your vampire devices’ energy consumption, simply unplug them when not in use.
4. The Use of Appliances
We all know appliances such as dishwashers, washers, and dryers are lifesavers. However, if you’re running a nearly-empty dishwasher or washing multiple half-loads of laundry, that could be part of why your electric bill is so high. To remedy this, make sure you’re only using your appliances when they’re at full capacity.
Additionally, outdated appliances typically have higher energy consumption than newer models. Consider going eco-friendly and using smart appliances to lower your monthly bill.
Many smart appliances, such as a smart thermostat, allow you to adjust or turn them off through a connected app on your mobile device even if you have already left your home. This means not coming home after a full day of work to find that you or a family member had accidentally left your thermostat set to frigid for the entire day. Updated appliances with advanced controls means you can reduce your high electric bill while being smart when it comes to electrical safety at the same time.
High Utility Bills Are Frustrating, but Not Impossible To Reduce
Although high utility bills are a headache, you can take it one step at a time by identifying the reasons that apply to your own home. If you know the root causes, you can take the steps to bring your high electric bill back down to manageable levels and ease the frustration for everyone involved.
Got more questions on proper lighting installation at your home? Contact us today or visit our website to learn more about areas we serve in Southwest Florida and neighboring communities
