A High Electric Bill: 5 Common Causes and Fixes

Old Appliances 

Older appliances might get the job done, but they use a lot more energy than today’s models. A fridge from 1995 can cost more to run than all of your LED lights combined. The same goes for old water heaters, dryers, and HVAC systems. If your appliances are more than 10 to 15 years old, check their energy consumption. Replacing them might be an investment, but you’re spending a lot of money every month trying to keep them running. You don’t need to replace everything at the same time. Start with the biggest offenders and look for an Energy Star label when you purchase your replacements. An electrician in Castle Rock, CO can perform a load test or energy audit to help you narrow down which appliances are the biggest problems. 

Outdated Wiring

If you live in an older house, there’s a chance that the wiring hasn’t kept up with progress. Homes that were built before the 1980s aren’t able to handle modern electrical loads. While there’s nothing noticeable happening on the surface, worn wiring can be very inefficient and dangerous. Frayed wires, loose connections, and circuits that are overloaded waste energy and pose fire risks. If the electricity isn’t flowing easily through your system, it could cause power losses, energy spikes, and higher bills. If you have flickering lights, warm outlets, or a breaker that trips all the time, you might need a wiring upgrade. This isn’t a DIY project. An electrical service is needed to make sure that the job is done safely and according to code.

Heating and Cooling Issues

HVAC systems are some of the biggest consumers of energy in any household. A small problem like a clogged filter can make the whole system work harder than it needs to, which requires more electricity for less results. Dirty filters will restrict airflow and reduce efficiency, while a thermostat that’s in the wrong location might give false readings. It’s a good idea to have your HVAC system inspected annually and stay on top of maintenance tasks. You may also consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat that can help you save power. 

Phantom Power Use 

Many electronic devices will still draw a lot of power when they’re turned off. TVs, game consoles, chargers, microwaves, computers, and other gadgets can add up quickly. You can just remember to unplug when you’re not using, but that can be really inconvenient for things that you use on a regular basis. Smart outlets might be the perfect solution. They offer remote monitoring and scheduling controls so you can take control of phantom waste and turn off your outlets at the swipe of a screen.

Hidden Electrical Problems 

Your bills might also be higher because of something less obvious, like a faulty breaker or overloaded panel. These problems probably won’t have any red flags like flickering lights, so you’re still left guessing while your energy usage keeps getting pushed to new heights. If you’ve already ruled out appliance issues and usage habits, then it’s a good idea to schedule an electrical inspection. Electricians can spot hidden issues and offer solutions that will give you lasting savings.

Do You Need an Electrical Repair or Upgrade?

If your bills are out of control, let Mr. Electric help you solve the mystery. Whether it’s old appliances or serious electrical issues, we’ll help you find the right way to fix it. Our team offers a wide range of electrical service options that will make your home safer and more efficient. Contact us to learn more about our offers or to schedule an inspection or electrical repair.