Why is my electricity bill so high?

June 11th, 2023

6 min read

Do you feel like your power bill is getting higher and higher each month, even though you haven't changed your energy consumption habits? If so, you're not alone. Many people experience the same phenomenon. It can be frustrating to try and figure out why. There are many surprising reasons why your power bill may be skyrocketing. The truth of some of them might surprise you. Here, we'll explore why your electricity bill may be higher than expected and what you can do to lower it. Let's look at some essential factors in energy consumption that impact your energy usage and, ultimately, your bill.

Here are Tips to Save Money on Your Energy Bill

Check out these surprising reasons why your electricity bill may be skyrocketing. Look at these tips to help you save money on your energy bill:

• Use LED bulbs instead of traditional bulbs

• Turn off lights when you leave a room

• Unplug devices when you are not using them

• Set your thermostat to a slightly higher temperature in the summer and a slightly lower temperature in the winter

• Use energy-efficient appliances

• Take advantage of natural temperature changes

1. Use of Lighting and Types of Bulbs

One of the most common reasons for a high electricity bill is the use of lighting and types of bulbs. Traditional light bulbs consume a lot of energy and generate heat, which means they are not energy efficient.

You can switch to LED and ditch using traditional bulbs. It's about time! LED bulbs are energy-efficient and last longer than traditional bulbs. They use less energy and produce less heat. This means they are the better option for your wallet and the environment.

How often you use your lights is another factor affecting your electricity bill. Do you leave lights on when you are not in the room? If you do this, you are wasting energy and money. Many people make this common mistake. Worry not! It's an easy one to fix. Just turn off lights when you leave a room and use natural light when possible.

Finally, you can factor in the colour of your walls and ceilings. It may not be common knowledge, but it can also affect energy usage.

If your walls and ceilings are painted in dark colours, they absorb heat and require more energy to cool the room. On the other hand, lighter colours reflect heat and require less energy to cool the room. So, if you plan to repaint your walls, use light colours to save energy costs.

2. Stand-by Power Consumption

Another shocking reason why your electricity bill may be skyrocketing is standby power consumption. This refers to the energy used by appliances not in use but still plugged in. TVs, computers, and chargers are the common culprit. Often, many people leave these devices plugged in. Just imagine how they are using energy even when not in use.

Unplug your devices when you are not using them. Save on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint. Do you have a lot of devices? Consider using power strips to make it easier to turn off everything at once.

3. Over-using Air Conditioning or Heater

Air conditioning and heating systems are essential in keeping our homes comfortable. Nonetheless, they can be a significant contributor to high power bills. If you are overusing your air conditioning or heating system, you are using more energy than you need.

Set your thermostat to a slightly higher temperature in the summer to save on energy costs. On the other hand, you can slightly lower the temperature in the winter. This can make a big difference in your energy usage and, ultimately, your bill.

You can also opt to consider using a programmable thermostat. It can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule.

Another way to reduce energy consumption is to ensure your air conditioning and heating systems are well-maintained. Regularly clean the filters and have them serviced by a professional. A well-maintained system will work more efficiently. This will use less energy and save you money in the long run.

4. Use of Old Appliances

Old appliances can also significantly contribute to high electricity bills. Do you have appliances that are more than ten years old? Likely, they are not energy-efficient. These use more energy than necessary to operate, adding up over time.

The answer is to replace your old appliances with energy-efficient ones. Search for appliances with a high star rating in their Energy Rating Label. This will certify that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the government.

Energy-efficient appliances may cost more upfront. Nonetheless, just think about the money they will save you in the long run by reducing your energy bill.

5. The Changes in Weather and Seasons

The changes in weather and seasons can also affect your energy usage and, ultimately, your bill. You may need more air conditioning during the summer to keep your home comfortable. Of course, you may need more heating in the winter.

To save energy, try to take advantage of natural temperature changes. Summertime might include opening windows and using natural ventilation to cool your home. In the winter, use curtains to trap heat inside your home and keep your heating system working efficiently.

What if I Can’t Afford My Electric Bill?

Some options are available if you are struggling to pay your electricity bill.

Many utility companies offer payment plans to help you spread out the cost of your bill over several months. You can also contact your utility company to see if you qualify for assistance programs. In addition, several non-profit organisations can help you pay your electric bill in a financial crisis. Another option is to look for services that can help you pay your bills on time.

Wagetap, one of Australia's leading wage advance apps, has a bill split feature that allows you to pay for your bill in total and repay in smaller instalments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many surprising reasons why your electricity bill may be higher than expected, but there are also many ways to save money on your energy bill.

By making minor changes to your energy consumption habits, you can reduce your energy usage and save money in the long run.

Remember to use LED bulbs, turn off lights when you leave a room, unplug devices when you are not using them, set your thermostat to a slightly higher temperature in the summer and a slightly lower temperature in the winter, use energy-efficient appliances, and take advantage of natural temperature changes. Following these tips can lower your electricity bill and reduce your carbon footprint.

Download Wagetap

Wagetap is a helpful cash advance app that not only allows you early access to your pay, but also offers a bill-split feature you can take advantage of when you’re struggling to pay your energy bill. You can pay for bills up to $600 and repay in smaller manageable instalments.

For additional help, you can always download Wagetap. It is a leading wage advance and bill split app that allows you to access your pay early. Emergencies can always happen, and Wagetap can help you handle life's unexpected expenses.

For additional help in improving your spending habits, you can always download Wagetap. It is a leading wage advance and bill split app that allows you to access your pay early. Emergencies can always happen and Wagetap can help you handle life's unexpected expenses.

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