Most people get their electric bill and say, “Why is it so high?” Your electric bill can be high due to a number of reasons. Some of these reasons you may not even know about. Here are five things that can cause your electric bill to be high and ways to help you lower it.
1. Electronics That Use Energy When Not In Use.
Having electronics plugged in whether you’re using them or not is one thing that can cause higher electric bills. Most electronics today pull power even when they are not in use and turned off. This is the case most of the time because most devices never fully turn off — they go into what is known as standby mode.
To help fix this problem you can simply plug your electronics into a power strip, and when you are done with them simply turn the power strip off. This will insure that everything is off and not in standby mode.
2. Heavy Energy Users.
Dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers are some of the biggest energy hogs. Using any of these appliances too often can cause your electric bill to be high.
One way to help cut down on use is to make sure your dishwasher is full before running it. You can also only have one clothes-washing day a week and use low heat to dry your clothes.
3. Unnecessary Use Of Ceiling Fans And Lights
Leaving lights on when no one is in the room is a waste of electricity and will cause your electric bill to increase. Leaving a ceiling fan on all the time, even when no one is in the room, can also cause an increase in your electric bill.
To help with this, only use lights when you need them and make sure they are off before leaving the room. Only use your ceiling fan when you are in the room. Also, don’t forget to change the switch on the fan that changes the direction of the blades. Changing the direction of the fan depending on the season (clockwise in cold weather, counter-clockwise in warm weather) helps keep the air circulating more efficiently.
4. Old Appliances
Old appliances use more energy than newer models. Newer models are more energy efficient, with some only requiring just a fourth of the energy that older models use.
5. Chargers
A lot of people have cell phones, tablets, iPods/ mp3 players, laptops, portable gaming systems, and other electronics that require charging. These devices suck energy from your home and the more you have, the more it will cost you.
Unplug any charger when you are not using them. Only charge your devices when they need it to avoid unnecessary charging.
If you follow these simple tips you can cut down on your energy consumption and your electric bill. If you need help with more ways to be energy-efficient and keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, call and talk to one of our techs at My Plumber today. My Plumber can help with all your heating and cooling needs as well as plumbing.
