why is my electric heat bill so high

Why is my energy bill so high all of a sudden?

The most likely reason your electric bill is suddenly so high is that your plan expired without you noticing. This could result in sky-high variable electricity rates that are 100-200% higher than what you were paying.

What causes high heating bills?

One of the many reasons that your heating bill is higher than expected is that your home could be leaking warm air through cracks and other gaps. These areas of the home are the main reason for high heating bills.

What makes your electric bill the highest?

Aging appliances, overdue maintenance on appliances and windows or doors, and running extra appliances that are no longer needed are among the top three culprits that cause high energy bills.

How do I lower my electric bill with my thermostat?

1. Keep the thermostat at a set temperature. If you keep your thermostat at the same steady temperature, it uses less electricity as it doesn't have to work as hard. Maintaining an existing temp uses less energy than going from hot to cold, or cold to hot.

How can I cut my heating bill?

How to save energyTurn off standby appliances.Install a smart thermostat.Turn down your thermostat.Buy efficient appliances.Install a new boiler.Wash clothes at a lower temperature.Be smarter about water.Invest in double glazing.More items...•

How can I keep my heat bill low?

10 money-saving tips to keep your heating bills lowSet your heat to 68 degrees. ... Lower the temperature when you go to sleep. ... Lower the temperature when you go to work or on vacation. ... Use curtains for more than decorations. ... Change your air filters. ... Run your fans in reverse. ... Upgrade your heating unit. ... Get a heater you can trust.More items...•

Why has my electricity usage doubled?

Wear and tear in older homes can lead to holes in heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) ducts, and insulation degradation. This, in turn, could allow hot and/or cold air into spaces in your home such as attics or crawl spaces, making HVAC systems work harder. The harder it works, the more energy it consumes.

What consumes the most electricity?

Heating and cooling are by far the greatest energy users in the home, making up around 40% of your electric bill. Other big users are washers, dryers, ovens, and stoves.

What appliance uses the most electricity?

Air Conditioning & HeatingAir Conditioning & Heating Your HVAC system uses the most energy of any single appliance or system at 46 percent of the average U.S. home's energy consumption.

What is a good temp to set thermostat at night?

65 degrees FahrenheitThe U.S. Department of Energy says an indoor temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night is best. Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature at night may actually help you sleep better. Medical experts know that our body temperature drops at night.

How many degrees should you turn down your thermostat at night?

So why is 68 degrees the magic number? The energy saving key is lowering the temperature (about 10-12 degrees Fahrenheit or 6-8 degrees Celsius) at night or when you're away.

Why is my electric bill so high when I'm not home?

The problem is, these devices are sitting idle, sucking electricity out of your home while waiting for a command from you, or waiting for a scheduled task to run. Anything with a clock, such as microwave ovens and coffee makers — and even older technologies, like VCRs — need the power to keep time while turned off.

Why is heating my house so expensive?

A report released Wednesday by the Energy Information Administration predicts that home heating costs will go up because fuel prices are rising and fuel demand has increased over the previous winter. Many energy prices dropped considerably last winter due to a sharp drop in demand brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can a faulty thermostat cause high electric bill?

A broken or faulty thermostat can force your system to constantly turn on and off. This makes the system function inefficiently and will cause your electric bill to rise.

Which household items use the most electricity?

Heating and cooling are by far the greatest energy users in the home, making up around 40% of your electric bill. Other big users are washers, dryers, ovens, and stoves. Electronic devices like laptops and TVs are usually pretty cheap to run, but of course, it can all add up.

What are 10 ways to save heat energy?

10 + Ways to Conserve Energy Every DayTurn off lights. ... Unplug devices and appliances you're not using. ... Put on a sweater (or take off a layer) to use your AC less and keep thermostat a bit lower. ... Dry laundry on a clothesline. ... Cover bare floors. ... Change filters on your heating system.More items...•

Look for dirty filters and leaking air

Your heating or air conditioning system may be straining with a clogged air filter. Remember to check the filter regularly and change it when it’s dirty or at least every three months.

Ease off the thermostat

Another idea: Perhaps your HVAC just can't keep up with your preferred thermostat setting. The heat can't reach your toasty goal, or the cooling lacks that cold snap feeling. Consider setting the temp to something more affordable and boosting your comfort level by:

Upgrade your thermostat

A smart thermostat can automate your temperature settings to adjust higher or lower at different times of the day, like while you're out of the house or sleeping. That approach can save money and help lower your bill in the long run.

Check your water heater setting

Determine the temperature setting on your water heater. It may have been installed at a higher-than-necessary temp. When you set your water heater at no more than 120 degrees, you'll not only save energy, but also slow down corrosion and mineral deposits in your home's pipes and the water tank itself, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Look into level billing

Consider asking your utility company for "level billing." That's when a rolling monthly average is used to smooth out the peaks and valleys of the amount due. It can help you to budget for a more consistent monthly charge.

Is My Electric Bill Too High?

How much you should expect to spend on electricity depends on the type and size of your home, where you live, and other significant factors.

8 Reasons Your Electric Bill Is So High

First, let’s look at some of the top factors that could contribute to a high electric bill. See if any of these reasons are true for you.

12 Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill

Now that you know what may be causing your bill to spike, let’s talk about how to lower your electric bill. There are many steps you can take, both big and small, to reduce your electricity use. Here are some ways you may want to try.

Should You Switch Electricity Suppliers?

Another step some people should consider taking to reduce their electric bill is switching electricity suppliers. For some people, this is not an option, but if you live in one of the 18 states that have deregulated electricity, you can choose a different supplier.

How to Shop for the Best Electric Supplier

When you’re shopping for the best electric supplier, there are a few things to consider. Look for:

Contact Shipley Energy to Learn More

If you live in Pennsylvania, Ohio, or Maryland, Shipley Energy could be your new electricity supplier. We have been a trusted energy partner for many homes and businesses for over 90 years. You can learn more about our competitive residential electricity rates by checking rates online. You’re welcome to contact us with your questions as well.

How to keep electricity costs down in summer?

Raise your thermostat. In the same way that reducing your heat requirements in winter lowers your energy usage, so being prepared to live a little warmer in the summer will keep your electricity costs down.

How to keep your attic from getting hot?

In summer, an attic can get seriously hot and it behooves you to prevent that heat from making your HVAC system work overtime. Hang out your washing. If you can, use the sun and breeze of a summer’s day to dry and air your washing rather than an expensive to run dryer. Think about replacing your old appliances.

How many watts does an HVAC unit use?

The average HVAC unit runs for 10-15 minutes two to three times an hour and uses 3500 watts. The actual figures will vary depending on where you live in the country and how well insulated your home is. Add in the electricity used in heating water as well, and that’s 60% of your energy usage right there.

How to keep HVAC system running?

Keep your HVAC system running optimally. Get it serviced by a qualified technician, clean or replace the filters regularly, make certain the vents are not obstructed in any way. If your system has energy saving modes then it is wise to use them whenever possible. Change to LED lighting.

What time of day is peak electricity?

During summer, the peak period (and the precise timing may vary with supplier) is roughly from 2.30pm-9.30pm.

What are the main energy sources used by homeowners?

Petroleum derived sources – kerosene, fuel oil, propane – were next on the list of energy sources used by homeowners. There are regional differences, with fuel oil being popular in the Northeast and propane in rural areas. Although the majority of households use more than one energy source, in the South often electricity is the only source used.

Is an oven or cooker inefficient?

Again, if your oven or cooker is old, it may be inefficient to run. These days computers, TVs and other electronics are made to be energy efficient, so they only account for about 1% of your electricity bill. With so many appliances running, and the need for constant connection growing every day, switching to a renewable energy plan is one ...

What Increases Your Heating Bill?

There are a few factors that can contribute to your heating bill being higher than normal in the winter months.

How to Lower Your Heating Bill

If you want to bring your heating bill down, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the amount of energy you are using in your home.

Still Have Questions? Contact an HVAC Expert

At HVAC.com, we can connect you with knowledgeable specialists in your area that can help with any HVAC issues you might have. Browse our site for useful information and resources, then let us find the best HVAC professionals to address your needs.

What percentage of lost heat goes out the window?

Research has found that 25 percent of lost home heat is going right out the window. Older windows allow cold air to seep into your home, which alters the thermostat reading and causes your high home-heating bills. This subsequently raises the energy bill.

How much does a thermostat save on power bills?

By turning the thermostat down between 8 to 10° Fahrenheit for an 8-hour time period, you save 10 percent a year on the power bill.

Does insulation help with heating and cooling?

Luckily, proper insulation reduces heating and cooling costs by as much as 40 percent annually. Leaks in the ductwork.

Can forced air heating cause a leak in the ductwork?

Leaks in the ductwork. If a forced-air heating system is used for home heating, leaks in the ductwork could increase the monthly bill. Ductwork should be accessible from the basement or attic. To self diagnose this problem, access one of these areas. See, feel, and listen for air leaks in the ducts. How To Fix It.