5 Reasons Your Energy Bill Spikes and What to Do About It

Often, we don’t know the exact reason our power bills are high, so we aren’t sure what to do about it. Here are five reasons your energy bill spikes and what you can do to keep it under control:

Seasonal Factors

In Texas, we’re subject to a wide range of weather conditions. Seasonal factors are a huge contributor to spikes in energy costs. In the summer months or during heat waves, your HVAC system works on overdrive to keep your home cool. Similarly, in the winter, your HVAC unit uses a lot of energy to generate heat and keep it flowing throughout your home. In times of extreme weather, keep your thermostat settings in check and keep doors and windows closed to prevent the outdoor temperatures from creeping in.

Poor Insulation

Your home’s insulation plays a significant role in maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. Proper insulation serves as a barrier between the temperature inside your home and the temperature outside. Poor insulation or air leaks around doors, windows and vents allow the outside air to enter your home. In the winter, this means cool air enters your home, making your HVAC unit work harder to keep your home warm, and vice versa in the summer.
To take the pressure off your air conditioner, ensure your home’s insulation is properly installed and in good shape, and seal air leaks around your home.

Outdated or Inefficient Appliances

Old appliances, like refrigerators, washers, dryers and HVAC systems, aren’t equipped with the energy-saving technology of their modern counterparts. To do the same job, they often have to work harder and use more energy. This results in increased energy consumption and, ultimately, higher power bills. If you have outdated appliances or appliances that no longer run efficiently, replace them. To maximize your energy savings, opt for appliances with an ENERGY STAR rating.

Consumption Habits

One of the most obvious causes of a spike in your power bill is your energy usage. Many factors influence how much energy you use, including the number of people in your home, your family’s schedule and your family’s habits. For example, during the summer, you may notice that your energy bill increases not only due to the weather, but also because the kids are home from school. More people in the house means more lights on, more appliances being used and more electronics on throughout the day, leading to higher energy bills. 

To keep your energy costs under control, be mindful of your thermostat settings, unplug unused devices to avoid using standby energy, switch to energy-efficient light bulbs, and encourage your family to practice energy-efficient habits.

Time-of-Use Rates

Some electric companies charge different rates per kilowatt-hour depending on the time of day. When the demand for electricity is higher, these electric companies will charge more per kilowatt-hour. These are called peak hours. Similarly, when the demand for electricity is lower, they’ll charge a lower rate per kilowatt-hour. These are called off-peak hours. Check your electric company’s time-of-use rates to understand when they charge more for electricity. Avoid doing tasks that use a lot of energy, like running the dishwasher or doing a load of laundry, during these times. Instead, take advantage of off-peak hours by saving these chores for the lower-rate times of the day.

Now that you understand the common reasons your power bill spikes, you can make more informed decisions about your energy consumption and unlock significant savings! Pronto Power is a Texas electric company that’s dedicated to helping its customers save more on their power bills. Learn about prepaid power from Pronto Power by visiting our website.