Extra showers, more lights, and adjusting the thermostat even just a couple degrees can all add up to a higher electric bill.
Heating and cooling are by far the greatest energy users in the home, making up around 40% of your electric bill. Other big users are washers, dryers, ovens, and stoves. Electronic devices like laptops and TVs are usually pretty cheap to run, but of course, it can all add up.
If you want to test how much power your appliances and devices are using in standby mode, you can buy an electricity usage monitor device. These devices allow you to plug in various tech or appliances and check how much power they're actually using, even in standby mode.
Gas ovens are the biggest culprits, so if you have the option, opt for a convection or fan oven. If you get into the nitty-gritty, you'll find microwave ovens are where it's at. They use approximately 50% of the energy produced to cook your kai (food)—win.
Old windows and drafty attic spaces with air leaks are common culprits behind unusually high electric bills. Invest in new energy-efficient windows with better seals and glass, and make sure attic and basement spaces have proper insulation. The investment today will save you money on your bill down the road.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, standby power accounts for as much as 5% to 10% of residential energy use, and homeowners could save $100 to $200 each year on utility bills by unplugging devices that aren't in use.
To get specifics regarding your energy usage, you need an electricity usage monitor that tells you exactly how many kWh a device or appliance is drawing. It can be as simple as a "plug load" monitor that plugs into an outlet. You then plug the device/appliance into the monitor.
High electric bills often come from using outdated or inefficient appliances around your home. Your utility itself could also be a factor – you may have been moved to a different pricing schedule or had an overall rate increase.
This results in higher energy consumption as devices operate inefficiently. Energy Loss from Faults: Short circuits or overloads that go unchecked due to faulty breakers can lead to energy loss in the form of heat, which serves no useful purpose and is, essentially, wasted electricity.
Faulty electrical wiring could cause a sudden increase in electricity consumption, or your electrical meter may be broken. If you continue to see a higher than expected electricity bill, even after taking all of the necessary steps to troubleshoot the exact cause, it may be time to call a certified electrician.
Electricity Usage Monitors
Before using a monitor, read the user manual. To find out how many watts of electricity a device is using, just plug the monitor into the electrical outlet the device uses, and then plug the device into the monitor. It will display how many watts the device uses.
1. Kitchen Countertop Appliances. Unplug small kitchen countertop appliances such as coffee makers, microwaves, electric kettles, and toasters. These are appliances that we typically keep plugged in at all times because some (like a microwave) have a digital clock that's convenient to have displayed.
Switching off your microwave after every use is another way you could make a saving. The Energy Saving Trust also said a microwave is one of the appliances that will "eat up electricity" when left on standby.
Whether you're using your air conditioner in summer or your furnace in winter, this makes up the biggest expense on your electricity bill. In fact, heating and cooling account for close to half of an average household's energy usage. The next highest contributor to your electricity bill is your water heater.
In some states, like California, electricity prices can vary depending on the time of day. During peak hours, electricity may cost more. If you are blasting your air conditioning during peak hours, you can expect to pay a premium.
You might not realize it, but electronic devices continue to use power even when they aren't in use. As long as a plug is in the electric outlet, small amounts of energy is being pulled from your home. This is known as vampire energy because your appliances suck energy without providing any use to you.
Always On is a measure of the base or basic usage of electricity in your home. Always On is comprised of appliances and electronic devices that are always plugged in and are consuming energy even when not being used. Electronics may continue to use power even when they are in the off, standby or sleep modes.