Why is My Electric Bill So High?
No one likes to pay bills, but you should never open your electric bill and be astonished at how high the number is. Luckily, there are multiple ways you can lower your energy usage to help you save some green!
On or Off?
Even though an appliance or piece of technology is turned off, it will still draw power if it’s left plugged in. Most electronics won’t completely turn off and they’ll remain on a standby mode. This can jack up your electric bill by almost 10 percent. For the items that you wish to unplug, plug them into power strips instead and then shut the strips off.
Common Things to Turn Off
- Computer Equipment - Some people might not want to unplug the computer after each use, which is perfectly okay. However, items like printers, speakers, and optional secondary monitors don’t always need to be plugged in. If you are going away for a few days, it may be wise to disable the computer’s WiFi since it won’t be in use.
- Kitchen Appliances - Appliances like the refrigerator and dishwasher need to remain plugged in at all times. Smaller appliances like coffee makers, toasters, and food processors do not. Plug them in when you need them and unplug them when you’re done.
- Guest Room Electronics - Unless you have a guest staying over, all electronics in the guest room should be unplugged. There’s no reason to have the television or alarm clock plugged in if no one is going to be using them that day.
A Few Degrees
Moving the thermostat a few degrees in the other direction could save you a decent chunk of change each month. If you usually keep your home at 68 degrees in the summer, set the thermostat to 70 degrees. If the water heater is set at 140 degrees, turn the dial back to 120 degrees. A quick adjustment can help you save more than just a few dollars.
When your electric bill starts to climb to an unreasonable number you’ll have to take matters into your own hands. If your home’s electrical system is too old it can also be more expensive to use and maintain. Contact the electricians at SameDay Heating & Air to learn more about how you can upgrade your home’s electrical system. Give us a call at (801) 726-3329.
