Opening your electric bill and finding that the balance is unusually high can be unsettling, especially if you’ve been careful not to buy or use appliances or other equipment that use up too much electricity. Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself in such a case, as suggested by the air conditioner maintenance experts at Superior Air.
Is the weather to blame?
The weather can have a big effect on how you use energy. For example, if it’s too cold, you might be forced to use more energy to comfortably heat your home. If it’s too hot, you’ll probably spend less time outdoors and more time inside enjoying the cool air produced by your air conditioner. Rather than merely reacting to the weather, try to find an energy plan that works well for you, one which can help lower your monthly energy bills.
Have you been playing host?
A room used by a guest can add to the electricity used in your home, so you shouldn’t be that surprised if, after having someone over for a few days, you notice a responding spike in your energy bill over the same period. .
Are your appliances old?
Older appliances tend to use more energy than their newer counterparts, which are often graded for better energy efficiency. It might be time for a new refrigerator or new air conditioner installation if your appliances are old and outdated. Don’t worry too much about the initial cost of replacing old equipment; in the end, you’ll end up saving money because the newer, more advanced products you install will cost a lot less to run and maintain.
Do you have a new appliance?
If you recently bought an appliance you’ve never had before–one which wasn’t a replacement for an older model of the same type of appliance–you can expect your energy expenses to increase. For example, if you recently bought a new TV and a new AC, and also installed new lighting for an additional room, it stands to reason that your energy bill will be correspondingly higher.
Were you under-billed in the previous billing cycle?
Your energy provider is sure to charge you at some point if they mistakenly under-billed you in the past. This might lead to a double bill. Ask your energy provider to discuss your latest billing statement if you have concerns about the balance.
Is your home still energy efficient?
Energy efficiency is one of the biggest concerns for homeowners, but like everything else, the steps you’ve taken to make your home more energy efficient will go out of date at some point. Windows will lose the insulating air between their panes, for example, while doors can become misaligned. Get an energy audit to locate areas of concern in your home, then make the necessary repairs and updates.
Superior Air offers air conditioning system repair and other services. We can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency to prevent escalating electricity bills. Call us today at (559) 734-2002. We’re ready to help you in Tulare, CA.
