Our household budget has many reoccurring expenses, one of which is our utility bills. While many of us can usually predict how much these will cost,
Our household budget has many reoccurring expenses, one of which is our utility bills. While many of us can usually predict how much these will cost, the final total may occasionally shock you.
Instead of stressing out, it’s crucial to determine the cause of your increase. From here, you can work on strategies to save as much as possible next time.
Want to learn more? In this article, we will talk about ten reasons why your energy bill is so expensive.
Let’s get started.
- Energy costs a lot.
It might not sound very helpful, but that’s why we’ve included this first on the list. The fact is, energy is expensive, and the costs are only going to continue to rise.
Of course, there are things that you can do to reduce your usage, which we will get into below. However, you’re not going to eliminate the expense completely and have to be realistic.
That being said, some types of solar panels are worth the investment and may help you run your home “off-grid.” Check out your different options if you really want to save some extra cash.
2. It’s winter or summertime.
During winter you’re always going to use more electricity. This is because showers tend to be longer, and it’s typical to spend many hours of the day trying to keep your home warm. As a result, prices rise, and so does your bill.
The same thing goes for the summertime, as you may be turning on your AC frequently to combat the heat. Yes, you can always try wearing cooler or warmer clothes, but you’ll still notice a difference in comparison to your autumn and spring estimate.
3. Your living habits have changed.
Have you been spending a lot of time at home recently? Maybe you’ve had guests stay over or have welcomed a new arrival? Changes to your living habits could be another reason why you have noticed a bill increase.
While these aren’t necessarily things that can be prevented or eliminated, being aware of your actions can help you make a positive change. You may also be able to look into ways to increase your financial wellbeing so that the rise isn’t impacting your savings.
4. You’re using the wrong light bulbs.
Paying attention to the type of light bulbs you use in your house might be the last thing on your mind, but it is something you should look into. A simple brand switch can lead to excellent savings and doesn’t require much afterthought.
Just take LED globes, for instance. Alongside lasting much longer, they use around 75% less energy. So the extra initial expense certainly pays off in the long run.
5. Your heating and cooling system isn’t very efficient.
Like most things in our lives, our HVAC unit can become obsolete. Older models aren’t as efficient as newer ones and tend to use more energy to heat and cool your home.
If you can’t afford a replacement, look into getting a service to ensure it is functioning correctly. All it might need is a good clean before it’s working like usual again.
6. You leave appliances on standby.
One of the biggest causes of an increased power bill that you may not even realize is your appliances, and we aren’t talking about when they are in use. While you may think leaving your television and gaming consoles on standby is harmless, it can all add up to be a significant increase.
Make sure to power everything off at the end of the day, or better yet, switch things off directly at the wall. It’s a habit that may save you a lot of cash.
7. Your home isn’t adequately insulated.
Your HVAC system can function fine, but that doesn’t mean your house is retaining the heat or cool air. Without proper insulation, your unit will need to work harder, and you’ll be losing everything through cracks and holes.
Check your doors and windows for any areas that may be causing leaks. They may need new caulking or a complete replacement depending on the damage.
8. You’re washing your clothes in hot water.
Most people associate their washing with water usage, but you must remember that your machine uses power to heat it. Therefore, another simple switch you should make is to wash everything in cold/room temperature water.
It’s still just as effective, and you’ll be saving even more if you opt to air dry out in the sun as frequently as possible. You can find some extra tips to save while washing clothes here.
9. You’re spending too long in the shower.
Warming up in the shower feels great on those cold winter days, but just like washing, it takes energy to heat up all that water. Most individuals tend to spend around eight minutes cleaning themselves, but cutting this down to under five can help with your usage.
Having trouble staying on schedule? Set yourself a timer on your phone or create a short playlist. You can even give the navy shower technique a go if you’re up for it.
10. You’re due to change energy companies.
Finally, if all of the above doesn’t appear to be working, you might want to think about changing energy suppliers. It’s possible that you will be able to find a cheaper company that still offers excellent service.
That being said, doing your research before switching over is essential. In Texas, consumers can make good use of energy comparison websites to compare electricity rates and find out who has the best energy rates in Texas.
Some places may also have hidden fees that you need to be careful of. Always read the terms and conditions!
Final words.
And that’s it! These are ten reasons why your energy bill is so expensive. So, now that you know what may be causing the issue, you can figure out the appropriate solutions to reduce your usage. It may seem difficult at first, but you would be surprised at what a difference a few simple changes can make.
Good luck!
