You keep your air conditioner set a few degrees higher in the summer than you need to feel truly comfortable. You remind your family to turn off lights when they’re not using a room. You try to avoid using your dishwasher or other appliances unless absolutely necessary. You might do all of the things you think you need to do, but still get hit with a shockingly high electric bill. Although it’s generally accepted as a fact of life that the cost of living will just keep going up, it doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. In fact, there may be some hidden factors that are adding to your utility costs without your knowing it.
For example, you may not be aware that some of your appliances or electronics continue to draw power even when they’re turned off. Many smart TVs and other devices can’t be turned off completely, and instead go into a standby mode that still requires a small amount of electricity. Because this goes on 24/7, it can add up to a significant and unnecessary expense added to your bill. Leaving these unplugged when not in use, or putting them on a power strip you can switch off, can ensure they won’t use more electricity than they need to.
Most of us depend on our smartphones and tablets so much that we’re afraid of letting their batteries run dry. That means we plug them in overnight, even when they’re close to fully charged. This is another way in which you may be using more power than you should be. If your phone’s charge is at 80%, consider turning it off before you go to bed or waiting to charge it when it’s actually in the red.
As a homeowner, getting an exorbitant utility bill can be a frustrating experience. For more reasons why your monthly energy expenses might be higher than you want, take a look at the accompanying resource.
Infographic created by Unique Services
