An unexpectedly high electric bill isn’t always caused by one major appliance or problem. Small habits around the house can quietly increase your electricity use, especially when you repeat them every day.
The good news is that many of these habits are relatively easy to change. Before assuming something is seriously wrong, look at these nine common mistakes that could be adding to your electric bill.
Leaving Electronics Plugged In
Some televisions, computers, chargers, gaming systems, and other electronics continue drawing a small amount of electricity while they’re plugged in, even when they aren’t actively being used. Unplug rarely used devices, or connect several electronics to a power strip you can switch off, to cut down on this standby power.
Related: 12 Household Devices That Don’t Belong on a Power Strip
Keeping Inefficient Appliances Too Long
Older refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, and other major appliances may use considerably more electricity than newer, more efficient models. You don’t necessarily need to replace a working appliance just to save energy, but efficiency is worth considering when an older one is already nearing the end of its useful life.
Leaving Unnecessary Lights On
Lights left burning in empty rooms are an easy source of unnecessary electricity use, especially when it becomes an everyday habit. Turn them off when you leave a room and consider timers, motion sensors, or other controls for decorative and outdoor lighting that’s easy to forget.
Ignoring Off-Peak Electricity Rates
If your utility uses time-of-use pricing, electricity may cost more during peak demand and less during designated off-peak hours. Running your dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, or other large appliances during less expensive periods could lower your bill without necessarily reducing how often you use them.
Making Your Heating and Cooling Work Harder
Blocked vents, unnecessary space heater use, and running the heat or air conditioner more than needed can all increase electricity consumption. Keep furniture away from vents, and use options such as fans, open windows, curtains, or an extra layer of clothing when practical.
Skipping an Energy Audit
If your electricity use seems unusually high and you can’t figure out why, an energy audit can help identify areas of the home that are wasting energy. Depending on the assessment, you may uncover problems with insulation, air leaks, heating and cooling equipment, or other parts of the home that aren’t immediately obvious.
Washing Everything in Hot Water
Using hot water for every load of laundry requires additional energy to heat the water, even when your clothes don’t need a hot wash. Switching appropriate loads to cold water can reduce that energy use while still cleaning everyday laundry.
Related: The 9 Biggest Laundry Mistakes You’re Probably Making
Using Appliances Inefficiently
Running a half-empty dishwasher or heating a full-size oven to warm a small portion of food can use more energy than necessary. When possible, wait for a full dishwasher load and use a microwave, toaster oven, or other smaller appliance when you’re preparing or reheating a small amount of food.
Ignoring Drafts and Poor Insulation
Gaps around windows and doors, insufficient insulation, and other air leaks can let heated or cooled air escape your home. Sealing accessible gaps with appropriate weatherstripping or caulk and addressing insulation problems can reduce the work your heating and cooling system has to do.
