Why is My Electric Bill So High in the Summer?
Millions of Americans open their electricity bill monthly with a sense of trepidation. The rising cost of utilities is placing pressure on people across the country, regardless of their income bracket or family size. In fact, 26% of Americans say they’ve reduced or forwent basic expenses like food and medicine so they could pay their energy bill over the last 12 months.
It’s a statistic concerning from multiple angles, yet relief doesn’t seem to be in sight. The Energy Information Administration predicts another 2% increase in energy prices will occur over the summer, further exacerbating the critical strain on American households.
These trends have left many homeowners asking, “Why are electric bills so high?” in hopes of finding solutions or ways to lessen the impact. Keep scrolling to learn more about the circumstances influencing rising electric rates and how you can combat bank-breaking bills.
What Makes Electrics Bill High: Understanding Electricity Consumption
If you are wondering, “Why is my electric bill so high in the summer,” you are not alone. Whether you flip a light switch, charge your phone, or run your air conditioner, it involves tapping into a vast network of power generation, transmission, and distribution. Still, it’s essential to understand the cost of electricity is based on more than just the number of kilowatt-hours consumed— it involves a complex structure of various factors.
Let’s take a closer look at these factors:
Seasonal Variation in Electricity Usage
How we use energy fluctuates based on weather, daylight hours, and even holidays. For instance, your bill will likely be higher in December if you like to leave your Christmas tree lit up for long periods or if you’ve hung many outdoor lights. If you typically visit friends and family for the holidays, your bill will likely drop due to no one being at home.
Summer is another peak time for electricity usage due to air conditioning units. They’re one of the most energy-consuming appliances in the house, which means you can expect to see a significant hike in your bill, but they’re also a necessity in warmer climates. Unfortunately, that accounts for why is my electric bill so high in the summer.
Appliance Usage and Efficiency
Before you call your energy provider and ask, “Why is my electricity bill so high?” it’s essential to consider the types of appliances you have in your home and whether or not there are ways to increase their efficiency.
Older appliances tend to be less energy efficient. For example, modern-day washers with an Energy Star label can use 70-75% less water than traditional models from 20 years ago. Switching to newer appliances protects the environment and lowers your monthly energy bill.
You’ll also want to consider how you use your appliances. Many features are convenient but may be costing you more money than they’re worth. For instance, the heat dry setting on your dishwasher accounts for 15% of all the energy used by that particular appliance. You can simply open the door to let them air dry if you’d prefer to lower your bill.
Home Insulation and Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing is the sealing and insulating of your home to prevent an unwanted exchange of heat and air. When your home is poorly weatherproofed, it will become too hot during warmer months and too cold during the winter.
Not only is this inconvenient for you, but it also means using more energy to reach the desired temperature. If you’ve been wondering what causes an electric bill to be high, you’ll want to check this as a common culprit.
Remember, heating and cooling together account for 42% of residential energy consumption in the United States. It’s a massive expense to homeowners across the country!
The good news? There are ways to significantly reduce these costs. For instance, homeowners who invest in foam insulation typically save 30-50% on monthly energy bills.
Other ways to weatherproof your home include:
- Ensuring roof and loft areas are adequately insulated
- Adding draft-proofing strips to exterior doors
- Caulking windows to prevent air leaks
- Sealing cracks and gaps in your basement foundation
- Using heat vent tape to seal joints in your ductwork
Air Conditioning Settings and Maintenance
It’s always best to program your air conditioner to run when temperatures drop below a specific amount. This way, your unit will automatically adjust to the conditions of your home, and there’s no risk of forgetting to turn it off when you head out for the day. Some thermostats even offer remote access through smartphone apps so you can adjust them from anywhere, making it easier to control energy usage regardless of where you are.
Also, don’t forget to regularly maintain your air conditioner. Over time, components like coils and filters become dirty and less efficient. You’ll maximize the lifespan of your unit and reduce its energy consumption by replacing these elements and eliminating any strain on its system.
How Solar Energy Helps Combat High Electric Bills
Solar energy is a powerful tool in combating high electric bills by harnessing the sun’s renewable power. Homeowners and businesses can generate electricity by installing solar panels on rooftops or open areas and offset their reliance on traditional utility providers.
This self-sufficiency shields them from escalating electricity costs and allows them to sell excess energy back to the grid through net metering, further reducing their bills. Additionally, adopting solar energy contributes to a greener future, reducing the carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the economy.
As solar technology advances and becomes more accessible, it presents a viable solution for individuals and communities alike to take control of their energy consumption and escape the burden of constantly rising electric bills.
Now that we’ve answered “What causes my electric bill to be so high?” let’s focus on simple yet impactful ways to lower your monthly bill.
Why is My Electric Bill So High in the Summer?
We often hear homeowners ask, “Are electric bills higher in summer or winter?”, and while the answer can vary depending on the type of home you live in and the lifestyle patterns you engage in, summer tends to be the highest season in terms of electric energy consumption.
There are two critical reasons for this:
- Various Heating Methods: 48% of American households heat their home with gas, so while overall utility costs tend to go up in the winter, it doesn’t necessarily mean the total increase will be reflected on the homeowner’s electric bill.
- Rate Increases: The electricity demand is highest during the warmer months when the demand for cooling systems is at its peak. Electricity rates are increased to reflect the level of demand.
It isn’t all doom and gloom, though! Once you know what makes the electricity bill high in summer, you can begin making cost-saving changes to your daily routines.
Let’s look at the most common causes of high summer electricity bills:
Running The A/C All Day
AC units require significant energy to run continuously. Not only does this quickly increase your electricity bill, but it also strains the system and can lead to mandatory repairs.
Running a central air conditioning system costs between $75 and $175 per month and between $40 and $100 per year to run a window unit. But remember, these costs vary quite a bit depending on your unit type, how many BTUs it’s rated for, the current energy rates in your area, the size of your home, and more.
Using An Outdated Air Conditioner
Older units lack modern energy-saving features and utilize outdated, less efficient components, resulting in higher power consumption. They’re also less capable of maintaining your desired temperatures, requiring longer operating cycles and a noticeably higher electric bill.
Poor HVAC Maintenance
Your HVAC system can’t operate correctly if it isn’t well-maintained. Clean filters, unobstructed condenser coils, and lubricated moving parts are all required to keep your system functioning at its best regarding energy efficiency.
Not Using Energy-Efficient Bulbs
The answer to what makes the electricity bill high is often looming right overhead—literally! Traditional incandescent bulbs are far less energy-efficient and, over time, drive up your utility bill. Switching them out for LED or CFL bulbs is a simple yet effective way to reduce the electricity you use each month.
Cold Air Leaks
Yes, cold air leaks actually heat your home. They allow precious cool air to escape while letting hot outdoor air seep in, so your AC unit must work extra hard to keep your house at your desired temperature.
Phantom Power
Phantom power, or standby power, is the electricity devices consume when turned off or in standby mode. While most devices consume relatively little energy in these situations, it adds up over time. Try unplugging your devices when you’re done or using power bars that you can switch on and off to reduce your monthly bill.
Inefficient Use of Appliances
Do you frequently run your washer and dryer for small loads of laundry? Do you use the hot water setting even when your clothes are lightly soiled? Have you stood in front of your refrigerator with the door open, wondering what to eat?
All of these are examples of how appliances are used inefficiently. If you’ve been concerned about what makes the electricity bill high, you’ll want to note this. By being mindful of your appliance habits, you can significantly reduce the amount of energy you use.
How Solar Energy Helps Combat High Electric Bills
Solar energy is a powerful tool in combating high electric bills by harnessing the sun’s renewable power. Homeowners and businesses can generate electricity by installing solar panels on rooftops or open areas and offset their reliance on traditional utility providers.
This self-sufficiency shields them from escalating electricity costs and allows them to sell excess energy back to the grid through net metering, further reducing their bills. Additionally, adopting solar energy contributes to a greener future, reducing the carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the economy.
As solar technology advances and becomes more accessible, it presents a viable solution for individuals and communities alike to take control of their energy consumption and escape the burden of constantly rising electric bills.
Now that we’ve answered “What causes my electric bill to be so high?” let’s focus on simple yet impactful ways to lower your monthly bill.
Energy-Saving Tips for the Summer
During the scorching summer months, conserving energy and staying cool without burdening the environment or our wallets is essential. Here are some energy-saving tips to beat the heat.
Invest in Solar Panels
Investing in solar panels offers numerous benefits, including significant savings on electricity bills and reduced reliance on conventional energy sources. Additionally, solar panels contribute to a greener environment by harnessing renewable energy and lowering the carbon footprint of households and businesses.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Look for Energy Star labels when shopping for new appliances and research energy consumption rates before buying. Energy-efficient appliances offer three primary advantages: reduced energy consumption, lower electricity bills, and decreased environmental impact by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. These appliances use advanced technologies to accomplish the same tasks with less energy, making them a wise long-term investment for individuals and the planet.
Tune Up Your Air Conditioner
Review the condition of your AC unit at least once a year and perform regular filter changes to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible. Routine maintenance for air conditioners is crucial to ensure optimal performance, improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity costs. That will enhance cooling capacity, extend the lifespan of the AC unit, and helps identify and fix potential issues.
Lower the Thermostat
Did you know that each degree you lower your thermostat can save you around 3% on energy costs? Try setting it to the lowest possible temperature without compromising your comfort.
Seal Doors and Windows
You can maintain a cool indoor temperature during summer by adequately sealing your windows and doors. That is essential to enhance energy efficiency within your home, preventing hot air from seeping in during summer and retaining warmth in winter. A well-sealed home reduces energy consumption, lowers utility bills, and creates a more comfortable living environment by minimizing drafts and temperature fluctuations.
Turn off the Lights
Light bulbs generate more heat than light! You can ease the load on your AC system by turning off lights when they aren’t needed.
Close Your Curtains
During summer, part of what makes an electric bill high is rising house temperatures. AC units are used to combat the heat generated by sunlight. Try keeping your curtains closed to block direct sunlight— especially during midday when the sun shines brightest!
Lower Your Electric Bill with EMT Solar
Tired of soaring energy bills taking away from your hard-earned money? We want to help. We’re here to educate you on the benefits of solar panels and what causes high electric bills and provide a lasting solution. Try our solar panels for a stable energy source that shields you from fluctuating utility costs. Contact us today to learn more!