How To Avoid High Utility Bills

In practically every house in America, capital is being wasted on energy consumption which harms both our wallets and the environment.

In a typical home, 65% of residential consumption is used and 35% of energy is wasted. Wasting energy is not good neither for your bank account nor the environment.

1. What Appliances Use the Most Energy in My Home

In a typical home , the HVAC system accounts for the majority of energy usage, contributing as much as 47% to your monthly bill. It is followed by the water heater, lighting and washer &dryer at 12-14% each. The refrigerator, oven and TV consume about 4 percent each, with the dishwasher and computer contributing about 1% per device.

But, what’s even more important to know is what are the ‘vampire’ appliances because they often are the culprits behind a higher bill.

2. Why Is My Utility Bill So High

An increase in your utility bill can be the result of several factors.

Vampire devices

Devices that stay plugged in all day continue to suck energy, even if they are not in use. Your laptop and its charger, printers, DVDs or even worse, VCRs, furnace, routers, modems, consoles, TVs and microwaves all continue using energy if you leave them plugged in and cause phantom waste. The average phone needs around 2-3 hours to fully charge, so don’t leave it on for 12 hours. Off doesn’t always mean off so unplug your devices, including your coffee maker.

Not using lights strategically

Ceiling lights might create a bright room but they waste electricity. Lamps are much more efficient and strategic.

Inefficient light bulbs

LED light bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional light bulbs, and come with significantly longer lifespans. They are more expensive to buy but they pay off themselves through savings.

Poor insulation

A house that isn’t properly insulated equates to lost energy. A well-insulated home ensures indoor air stays in and outdoor air stays out, which means your HVAC won’t have to work as hard like when there are drafts.

Outdated appliances

Modern appliances are built to provide the same or even better performance while using much less energy.

Poor maintenance

Both old and new appliances require regular maintenance to run efficiently. Clogged air filters will cause your AC to work much harder to perform the desired task and it will decide to call it quits much sooner.

3. Lower Your Utility Bill With These Tips

Utility bills are not cheap but they can be reduced.

Make sure your devices are running efficiently

By making sure your HVAC system is efficient and working properly you can significantly reduce your Gas South utility expenses. Clean the filters regularly, change them when needed

Shop around for a provider

Just like you compare prices of cars, beauty products and gifts, you should compare the rates of utility providers. By picking the lowest rate, you can save hundreds of dollars.

Save money while you’re sleeping

Run appliances like the dishwasher and clothes dryer late in the evening or before bedtime, when energy is on sale as utility companies tend to charge more during peak times.

Don’t forget to unplug – both your devices and yourself

Turn off the lights when you leave the room and unplug devices when they are not in use. When it’s time to rest, unplug from social media, turn off your phone, laptop and TV.

Use ceiling fans

YourA/C uses about 25% of your household’s energy, or roughly 36 cents an hour whereas a a ceiling fan costs only about a penny an hour. During summer, they can make you feel cooler but you shouldn’t forget about them during winter either. Simply by reversing the direction, they will bring the warm air down and help make your home feel warmer.

Takeaway

Remember, a lot of little things can add up to big savings. Every penny counts and therefore, every step that you make towards conserving and using less energy will benefit both your wallet and the environment.