4 Ways You Might Be Increasing Your Energy Bill

Huge energy bills are sadly not an uncommon experience these days, especially with the rising cost of living after the COVID19 pandemic that is hitting people all around the world. However, while you might not be able to do much about the actual cost per unit of electricity or gas to heat and power your home unless you are able to negotiate a better energy deal, the good news is that there are several things that you can do at home to make sure that you are not using more than you need and you save money as a result. There are several things that you may be doing right now that are increasing your energy bills without even realizing it.

Leaving the Heating On

In the winter, it’s never nice to get home to a freezing cold house. However, leaving the heating system on all day just so the house is a comfortable temperature when you arrive home is a sure way to eat into your pocket with high energy bills. If you really can’t stand getting home to a cold house and waiting for it to heat up, then you might want to consider having a smart thermostat installed at home. This allows you to remotely control your heating from your phone, so you can set it to the right temperature just before you arrive instead.

Drafty Windows and Doors

When was the last time that you checked the weatherstripping around your windows and doors? If the seals are broken or the weatherstripping is old and worn, this could be letting more heat out of your home than you realize. As a result, your heating system has to work harder, resulting in a bigger bill. Along with being a problem when heating your home in the winter, this can also increase your energy bills in the summer, since the cold air is also escaping.

Leaving Electronics on Standby

Leaving electronics on standby might not seem like such a big deal. However, they will still use energy when on standby or in sleep mode, and if you have a modern household with various TVs, computers and other devices then the price of having them all on standby all the time will quickly add up. While it takes longer to do, it’s always better to switch devices off completely.

Not Filling Appliances

Appliances in our homes such as the dishwasher or washing machine are necessary for everyday life, but they do use a lot of energy. Even if you have put great care into choosing the most energy efficient appliances that you can find, if you’re not filling them up before you turn them on, you’re wasting energy. Make sure that you have a full load ready to go before you use the washing machine or dishwasher.

With the cost of energy rising, it’s a wise idea to take a look at your habits around the home and figure out what you might be doing to increase your energy bills unnecessarily.