9 Hidden Reasons Your Utility Bill Is Through the Roof (And What to Do About It)

Are you overpaying for your utilities? Even without checking your bill, there are telltale signs that your energy costs are probably higher than they should be.

By identifying these red flags, you can take steps to reduce your energy consumption and lower your monthly expenses.

Many energy companies charge different rates depending on the time of day. If your energy company charges more during peak hours, consider limiting your electricity use during those times.

Peak hours are typically during the weekdays, but exact time frames vary. Check with your local energy company and avoid using energy during those times.

If your HVAC system is always running, you’ll likely have a high utility bill. Keeping it set at a high or low temperature while you’re away can hugely contribute to the cost of your bill.

Consider installing a smart thermostat to alleviate the issue. Then, you can set your thermostat at a different temperature than you like when you’re home, preventing your HVAC unit from continuously running.

Leaving your lights on all the time is sure to raise your utility bill. Each time you turn on a light during the day, instead of opening your curtains, you use unnecessary resources.

During the day, start by opening your curtains or blinds before opting for overhead lighting or lamps. Try to keep your lights off as much as possible when natural light sources are available.

Your utility bill is likely higher than it should be if you have insufficient insulation. You’ll lose temperature-controlled air through the areas that are lacking, spiking your utility bill.

If you think your insulation isn’t working as well as it should, it might be time for an update. You can add insulation to necessary areas to keep temperature-controlled air inside where you need it.

Appliances use energy, costing you money, even if plugged in but not turned on. Chargers and other electronics do the same thing; they pull electricity even when you don’t need it.

These are often called “vampire devices” because they seem powered down but are actually in standby mode.

One way to remedy this is to plug your appliances into a power strip. With a power strip, you can turn the power strip off and ensure unused devices aren’t using electricity.

Faulty electrical wiring can lead to a high electricity bill because the wires may get hotter than they’re supposed to. You may notice that your circuit breaker trips frequently, the lights buzz or flicker, or the outlet and switches in that area may become discolored.

If you have any of these issues, hiring a professional is the best option. Electrical issues can be dangerous, so you should not wait for them or try to repair them yourself.

Air can escape through leaks in your home, leading to temperature fluctuation even when your heating or cooling system is on. When this happens, your system will work harder to keep your home at the temperature you want.

You can stop drafts by sealing the leaks, replacing windows, or installing draft guards. Check your home for areas that seem to have a different temperature than the rest of your home to see if a leak is the culprit.

Older appliances are less energy-efficient than updated ones. This means that they use more energy, making your utility bill higher than it needs to be.

Consider updating your appliances to energy-efficient options to lower your bill. Look for units with an Energy Star efficiency rating to ensure you choose something efficient.

Skipping appliance maintenance can cost you money in the long term. Dirty or malfunctioning equipment has to work harder to do its job because it isn’t as efficient.

You can fix this problem by scheduling regular maintenance on your appliances and making sure they’re always clean and have well-working parts. If you don't know how, a professional can do the maintenance for you.

Your utility bill could be lower, especially if you have any of the signs mentioned. Making changes to have a more energy-friendly home can help you avoid wasting money.

Not only will improving energy efficiency lower your utility bill, but it also helps protect the environment.