Why Your Electric Bill Is High

As a homeowner, you come to rely upon electricity to keep your California home comfortable throughout the year but deciphering your electric bill can be daunting at times. These are various factors that explain how energy usage drives your electric bill.

Your Leave Your Appliances Plugged Into Outlets

Keeping your electronic devices plugged in when you are not using them is a surefire way to drive up your electric bill. Devices that most people rarely unplug include:

• Toasters

• Coffeemakers

• Televisions

• Lamps

• Chargers

Even when these devices are not in use, they significantly contribute to your energy usage.

Your Home Is Poorly Sealed

Poor insulation can cause hot and cold air to escape during the winter and summer, causing you to overuse your heating and air conditioning systems. Inspecting windows, doors, and your home's foundation for cracks that require sealing can prevent excessive energy use that can translate to high electric bills.

Daylight Savings Time

Daylight savings time during the summer is an unexpected factor that can explain how energy usage drives your electric bill. Darker early mornings increase our reliance on light sources to help us get ready for our days, and the sun's hot extended presence makes us rely heavily on air conditioning. Fortunately, many people see the advantage of using the sun's strength to provide a renewable energy source to reduce electric bills.

You Use Older Appliances

If you still have older appliances that do not have ENERGY STAR certification, you may want to consider replacing them. ENERGY STAR appliances are considerably more efficient than others and can help you lower your electric bills.

You Are Unaware of Peak Usage Times

It may surprise some people to know that the amount they pay for their energy use is higher during the early morning, evenings, and weekends. The reason for higher costs is that these are prime times for energy use when many people are in their homes and demand is highest.