It’s just a fact of life that, if you’re a homeowner, you’ll need to spend a fair amount of money on energy each month. With that said, that doesn’t mean you have to simply accept that you’re at the mercy of whatever your energy bills turn out to be. In some cases, it’s possible to decrease the cost of your energy bills by identifying what’s causing them to spike in the first place. If you’ve noticed that you’re paying more for your energy than you usually do, then it’s possible that one of the causes we’ve outlined below is responsible.
Outdated Appliances
It’s just a fact of life that, if you’re a homeowner, you’ll need to spend a fair amount of money on energy each month. With that said, that doesn’t mean you have to simply accept that you’re at the mercy of whatever your energy bills turn out to be. In some cases, it’s possible to decrease the cost of your energy bills by identifying what’s causing them to spike in the first place. If you’ve noticed that you’re paying more for your energy than you usually do, then it’s possible that one of the causes we’ve outlined below is responsible.
Outdated Appliances
Your appliances shouldn’t cause a sudden spike in the cost of your energy bills unless they experience a specific issue. However, over time, any outdated appliances you use will likely result in your energy bills being higher than they should be. It’s recommended to compare your energy bills against the average for similarly sized houses, and if yours seems higher, then take a look at your appliances. It might be time for an upgrade — new appliances are significantly more energy efficient than those of a decade or more ago.
You Have Plumbing Issues
It’s bad enough paying expensive energy bills when it’s energy that you’ve consumed; it’s even worse when you’re paying for energy that you haven’t used. That’s usually the case with homeowners who have unusually high water bills, who, due to a leak in their plumbing system, end up with expensive water bills. If you’ve noticed that your water bills have risen without having consumed more water, then get in touch with a company like Bluefrog Plumbing to identify and repair the leak. Taking prompt action is also recommended because of the water damage that unresolved leaks can cause — it’s much cheaper and easier to treat a leak early on, rather than when it’s caused mold or structural damage.
Overusing AC/Heating
It’s nice to have the option to regulate the temperature in your home, but it’s also possible to become a little too preoccupied with keeping the temperature agreeable. Overusing your HVAC system during the summer and winter months is a surefire way to see your energy bills go through the roof. It’s OK to be a little bit uncomfortable, especially for some periods of the day, and only use the systems when it’s genuinely cold/hot/needed.
You’re Using More Energy Than You Think
It can be frustrating to discover that you have a high energy bill, but it’s not always the case that the bill is wrong. There are instances when the bill is actually correct, but the homeowner has underestimated how much energy they’ve used. It’s normal that energy bills rise if someone else moves in, you add a new appliance, or you’re simply spending more time at home (such as during the winter months). In this case, the best approach is to be more mindful of how much energy you’re using, which can result in savings of some 20% in some cases.
You Have Plumbing Issues
It’s bad enough paying expensive energy bills when it’s energy that you’ve consumed; it’s even worse when you’re paying for energy that you haven’t used. That’s usually the case with homeowners who have unusually high water bills, who, due to a leak in their plumbing system, end up with expensive water bills. If you’ve noticed that your water bills have risen without having consumed more water, then get in touch with a company like Bluefrog Plumbing to identify and repair the leak. Taking prompt action is also recommended because of the water damage that unresolved leaks can cause — it’s much cheaper and easier to treat a leak early on, rather than when it’s caused mold or structural damage.
Overusing AC/Heating
It’s nice to have the option to regulate the temperature in your home, but it’s also possible to become a little too preoccupied with keeping the temperature agreeable. Overusing your HVAC system during the summer and winter months is a surefire way to see your energy bills go through the roof. It’s OK to be a little bit uncomfortable, especially for some periods of the day, and only use the systems when it’s genuinely cold/hot/needed.
You’re Using More Energy Than You Think
It can be frustrating to discover that you have a high energy bill, but it’s not always the case that the bill is wrong. There are instances when the bill is actually correct, but the homeowner has underestimated how much energy they’ve used. It’s normal that energy bills rise if someone else moves in, you add a new appliance, or you’re simply spending more time at home (such as during the winter months). In this case, the best approach is to be more mindful of how much energy you’re using, which can result in savings of some 20% in some cases.
Leave a Reply