Homeowners hate the shock of receiving a higher-than-normal electric bill. If you’ve noticed your electric bill is steadily climbing, it may be time to do some digging to identify your home’s issues. How can you decrease your home’s electricity usage, and how do you know when it’s time to call a certified electrician for guidance?
Continue reading for ways to decrease your electricity usage, slash dollars off your electric bill, and know when to call an electrician for assistance.
Time to Upgrade
Newer appliances tend to be more energy-efficient than older models. If your home has older appliances, they may be using excessive amounts of electricity to accomplish tasks that a newer appliance would use far less electricity for.
Consider upgrading older appliances as an investment in your household’s long-term efficiency plan. If you don’t know where to start, old refrigerators and old clothes dryers are usually the biggest culprits of energy inefficiencies.
If upgrading old appliances is not feasible at this time, try running them on shortened cycles and setting your refrigerator at a higher temperature, and try air-drying dishes and laundry to help combat the appliances’ inefficiency.
Many appliances and electronics draw small amounts of energy from the grid when they’re plugged in, even if they are not in use. On average, most American households have up to forty appliances that are using power even if they are powered off or not in use, simply because they are plugged in.
Idle devices can contribute to approximately 10% of a household’s total electricity bill. Make it a habit to unplug devices that are not in use.
Depleting Energy
HVAC systems contribute to a large portion of many households’ electricity bills. Keep an eye on your heating and cooling habits in the winter and summer months. Consider running your HVAC system during certain hours of the day or at less extreme temperature settings. Your electricity bill will thank you.
Water heating can account for up to 20% of a household’s electricity usage. If you’re doing a lot of laundry, washing dishes, and taking long showers, it can really add up! Get creative and see if it makes a difference.
You can wash your laundry with cold water, let your dishes soak in soapy water before giving them an efficient rinse, lower your water heater’s settings, use a low-flow shower head, and keep showers quick.
If you have older light bulbs throughout your home, it may be time to upgrade them to more efficient options, like LEDs. On average, LED bulbs use over 70% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Time for an Electrical Solution
If your electricity bill is still higher than expected after making some responsible changes, consider scheduling a home visit with a certified electrician. An electrician can troubleshoot your home’s electrical system and identify issues that are contributing to your high electricity costs.
For example, your home’s wiring can become weak, damaged, or frayed over time. This typically causes your appliances and fixtures to use more electricity. An electrician may suggest upgrading your wiring so that your appliances and fixtures run more efficiently.
Related Questions
What drives your electricity bill up the most?
Faulty wiring, electricity leaks, old appliances, and wasteful habits can run up your electric bill. Consider calling a certified electrician to troubleshoot your home’s wiring and evaluate your appliances’ efficiency. Ask your electrician for practical advice on how to use less electricity on a daily basis.
What causes a sudden spike in electricity usage?
Faulty wiring could account for a sudden spike in electricity usage. Your electrical meter may also be broken. If you suspect either issue, contact a licensed electrician immediately.
Dependable Electrical Services
Talk to an electrician at Bratcher Electric in Wayne today about your energy consumption and ways to make sure your home is running efficiently. Our electrical firm is an established and trusted business in Michigan that provides all the electrical services your home or business needs with the customer care you deserve. Do you have a backup power plan? Michigan is known for its unpredictable power outages. Call us for a Free Estimate!