Circuit Doctors Blog

Why Is My Electric Bill So Much?

Over the years, you are sure to have noticed increases in your electric bill. But most of the time, you chalk it up to a rate increase or added fees and taxes. Since the 1950s, the average household’s electric bill has increased to be about 13 times what it was 70 years ago. But there have also been many wonderful additions to the average home, such as central air conditioning, massive appliances, televisions, computers, and gaming systems. However, with all of this consumption, you will be happy to know that there are several ways that you can reduce your electrical costs without drastically altering your lifestyle.

Eliminate Phantom Energy Waste

There are many devices in your home that you leave plugged in constantly, such as gaming consoles, cable boxes, and your DVR box. These forms of technology are fantastic to have in your home but do not need to be plugged in when they are not in use. Unplug these items and other electronics to eliminate the phantom electricity they suck away when not in use but still plugged into an outlet.

New Light Bulbs

Merely switching to LED lightbulbs throughout your home will save you money each time you turn on a light. The new LED bulbs use 80% less power and will also save you on the cost of replacements as they are rated to last up to 25 times as long as incandescent bulbs.

Use Appliances Wisely

Dishwashers and washing machines are two of the most used appliances in most homes. And when used properly, they are very energy efficient. But that means you should only run them to wash full loads. Completely load the dishwasher, and then select the appropriate wash cycle for the dishes. You will also be happy to learn that using your dishwasher will conserve water. A full wash cycle uses less water than hand washing a sink full of dishes. And when washing clothing, be sure to set the washer for the most appropriate load size and wash cycle.

Programmable Thermostat

If you have electric heat in your home, a programmable thermostat will provide significant savings on your electric bill. These thermostats allow you to set a program to heat your home only when you are there to enjoy it. When you are at work, traveling, or the kids are at school, the house is a few degrees cooler, and you are saving energy.

Is Your Home Properly Insulated?

If your home is not well insulated, you waste electricity each time the air conditioner or furnace turns on. Inadequate insulation allows heated or cooled air to seep out through the walls and roof. Investing in additional insulation or higher quality insulation can substantially lower your heating and cooling costs. And that savings will be very noticeable because the HVAC system uses more energy than anything else in the average home.

Check Windows And Doors

In addition to insulation, your home’s windows and doors play a significant role in keeping your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If there is a draft around doors and windows, your money is slipping away with the cooled or warmed air. Caulking, adding weather seals, or replacing old doors and windows will provide great savings on the energy needed to keep your home comfortable throughout the year.

Turn Them Off

If you are prone to leaving ceiling fans and lights on when you leave the room, try to retrain yourself. Fans cool people, not rooms. So if you are not in the room, turn off the fan. In the same vein, if you are not in the room, it does not need to be lit. Turn off the light as you leave. While these sound like tiny things, the savings will add up if you can retrain yourself to consistently turn things off when you leave the room.

To learn more about reducing your homes electrical consumption, call (703) 463-9866. An electrical professional from Circuit Doctors can answer your questions and schedule an electrical audit of your home. A licensed electrician will evaluate your home’s electrical system and usage to help you save electricity and money each month.

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