Hidden Things That Increase Your Electricity Bills
As a homeowner, you’re responsible for all the bills that your home produces. One of the highest is likely your electric bill. While you may not realize it, there are some bad habits that may be driving up the cost of your electric bills.
Dirty HVAC Coils
If you don’t get your HVAC system cleaned every year, your condenser coils are filthy with debris. The thicker this film of debris is, the harder your HVAC system has to work. Dirty condenser coils can raise the energy consumption of your compressor unit by 30%.
Outdated Appliances
Apart from a more modern look, newer appliances are also more energy-efficient. If you’re still using a fridge from the 90s or a stove from the 80s, it’s time to upgrade. Look for the Energy Star label on all your new appliances. This will help to ensure that you’re investing in quality, energy-efficient products.
Bad Water Heater Settings
We all like the luxury of having hot water in our homes. It’s imperative to find a balance between warm water and affordable energy usage. All electric water heaters will have many temperature settings. If your water comes out hot soon after turning it on, turn down the temperature on your water heater. Also, consider insulating your water heater. This allows it to use less electricity each year and your costs go down.
Phantom Energy Usage
Another quiet way that your electric cost may be increasing is due to devices that you leave plugged in. When you shut your electronics, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t using power. If they’re still plugged into electric outlets, they will use phantom electricity. With many devices plugged in, this can cause higher electric bills without realizing.
Dirty HVAC Filter
Every HVAC system will have at least one air filter. This filters out unwanted airborne particles. Most HVAC professionals recommend replacing your HVAC air filter every three months. If you omit doing so, your HVAC system will have to work much harder to get your home to your desired temperature. This will be sure to drive up the cost of your electricity bill.
Call Us Today
If your energy bills are always on the rise and you don’t know why it’s time to give us a call. Let our licensed electricians assess your home. We can provide you with actionable tips to reduce your monthly energy bills.
