maIt is not uncommon for electric bills to fluctuate depending on the time of year. They are often at their highest in the summer, a phenomenon that takes many people by surprise. They often wonder “Why is my electric bill so high in the summer?”.
While it can be disconcerting to be caught off guard by high electric bills, they are usually the result of energy use. Therefore, the fact that temperatures are so high in the summer months means that air conditioners and other appliances are working overtime to keep up. There can be additional factors that influence the electric bill as well.
Reasons For High Summer Electric Bills
It is important to understand the reasons behind high electric bills so that steps can be taken to bring down energy consumption. Why, then, do electric bills often rise in the summer?
- Reasons For High Summer Electric Bills
- The Air Conditioner Is Outdated Or Inefficient
- The Air Conditioner Is Overused
- Exterior Walls, Windows, And Doors Aren’t Sealed Properly
- The Lights Use Excessive Amounts Of Energy
- The Air Conditioner Hasn’t Been Serviced Properly
- Appliances Are Not Utilized In An Efficient Manner
- Appliances And Other Devices Remain Plugged In Throughout The Day
- How To Bring Down Your Summer Energy Bill
- Change Your Thermostat Settings
- Take Care Of Holes And Cracks Around The House
- Perform Maintenance On Your Air Conditioning Unit
- Try Not To Engage In Tasks That Use Heat
- Keep The Sunlight Out
- Contact The Better Home Heat Council To Connect With A Reputable Oil Supplier
The Air Conditioner Is Outdated Or Inefficient
Air conditioners cost a lot of money, which means that most homeowners want to extend their life as much as possible. The older the air conditioner, however, the less reliable it often is. These air conditioners typically need more energy to perform their job than newer models.
The Air Conditioner Is Overused
Air conditioning is a homeowner’s best, and sometimes only, relief from the overwhelming summer heat. Especially when it is very hot outside, it may be tempting to turn the temperature down a few degrees. However, in doing so, the air conditioner must work harder to keep the interior of the home cool. More energy is expended which also means a higher electric bill at the end of the month.
Exterior Walls, Windows, And Doors Aren’t Sealed Properly
If there are holes or cracks that allow cool air from the house to escape, the air conditioner must work harder to maintain the home’s internal temperature. Be sure to seal windows, doors, and walls.
The Lights Use Excessive Amounts Of Energy
As mentioned, the age of the air conditioner has an effect on how much energy it uses. Similarly, older light bulbs tend to use more energy as well. Take an inventory of which light bulbs you are using throughout your property. Research to determine if there are better options available that will use less power.
The Air Conditioner Hasn’t Been Serviced Properly
Just like a car needs regular maintenance, air conditioning systems also need an “annual air conditioner tune-up” in order to do their job correctly. Different parts of the AC unit need to be cleaned, lubricated, and the air filters must be swapped out as well. When an HVAC technician performs service, they also make sure to look over the unit to ensure that everything is working efficiently. At a minimum, servicing the unit once a year is important. Every six months is ideal because an efficient HVAC system ultimately saves a homeowner money.
Appliances Are Not Utilized In An Efficient Manner
It isn’t the best use of your time to go to the grocery store three times per week when you could plan just one shopping trip. Similarly, it is important to think through your appliance use. Are you running small loads in the washing machine rather than waiting until the end of the week? How often are you utilizing your dishwasher? Thinking through how to best use your appliances is useful.
Appliances And Other Devices Remain Plugged In Throughout The Day
If you are not using a device, it is important to unplug your appliance so it does not continue to draw energy. Getting in the habit of unplugging televisions, computers, and more when you are finished with them has the potential to make a big difference in your monthly energy bill.
How To Bring Down Your Summer Energy Bill
Knowing the reasons why your energy bill rises in the summer is only half the battle. How can you bring down the cost?
Change Your Thermostat Settings
Evaluate the interior temperature of your home. Could you turn the dial up a few degrees and still be relatively comfortable? If so, make the change to ensure you are not overworking your air conditioning unit. The reverse is true in the winter as well.
Take Care Of Holes And Cracks Around The House
Take a close look around the perimeter of your property, particularly with respect to your windows and doors. Seal any gaps that you find to keep cool air from escaping. While this is a task that you can undertake on your own, you can also get a professional to handle it. They may be able to identify areas that you would have missed.
Perform Maintenance On Your Air Conditioning Unit
Get in touch with a service technician and have them take a look at your air conditioning unit. By cleaning and replacing any parts that are worn down, you will extend the life of your system and increase its efficiency. Consider purchasing an annual plan so that you don’t forget to ensure that everything is in good working order.
Try Not To Engage In Tasks That Use Heat
Turning on the oven during the heat of the day can dramatically raise the temperature of a room and cause the air conditioning system to go into overdrive to compensate. Try to plan your day so you can engage in these tasks when it is still a little cooler outside. Conversely, you could also engage in alternate activities to compensate.
Keep The Sunlight Out
Both blinds and curtains keep sunlight from streaming into your home. While it is nice to have a little light, too much solar energy produces heat that keeps the interior of the home warmer than it should be. Insulated shades are an option if this is a consistent issue.
Contact The Better Home Heat Council To Connect With A Reputable Oil Supplier
The Better Home Heat Council (BHHC) is a local association that aims to help homeowners with everything that has to do with fuel oil heat. We provide you with knowledge, especially on things regarding the economic and efficient use of heating oil. Also, we assist people in identifying and solving issues about energy-efficiency in their homes or office. We accomplish this by pushing them towards an effective and affordable path to ensure that their living areas become more efficient and cost-effective.
The BHHC also supports heating oil delivery service companies that offer services, products, and solutions to homeowners in the Lehigh Valley. If you are searching for a superior home heating oil delivery service near you, click here. Rest assured that most of the fuel oil delivery service companies in our system also provide free energy consultations. Contact Us To Find An Oil Supplier In Your Area
For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, click here to contact the Better Home Heat Council today.