With the end of the summer air conditioning season you expected to see your electric bills drop. But instead they've risen. Why did your electricity usage suddenly spike? If you have increased autumn electric bills, take a look at the possible causes and what you can do to save money.
Autumn Decorations
You don't have to wait until December to string the lights. Halloween decorations are popular picks that can literally brighten your home. The same goes for general autumn and Thanksgiving themed décor.
If you hang Halloween, seasonal, or other fall holiday lights (such as light-up ghosts or pumpkin strands) outside or inside your home, it's likely you'll see an increase in your electrical bills. The same goes for outdoor inflatables and other electric-drawing décor.
Even though Halloween or autumn electric décor can raise your energy usage, you can take steps to reduce your overall costs. LED light bulbs use less energy than incandescent, are more durable, and last longer, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Along with LED bulbs, you can also replace high-usage Halloween lights/décor with battery-powered versions.
Home Heating
Now that the summer swelter is over, the time has come to turn up the heater. If you have a forced air heater, you may notice your electric bills gradually rising until they reach AC use levels.
Given the cool-but-not-cold autumn weather, you don't have to turn the heater to a high temperature. Try a middle of the range setting and turn the thermostat down at night. If the weather warms (which can easily happen during the autumn season), open the windows and let you're the temperature rise naturally.
When the weather does cool off permanently, seal gaps in doors and windows or cover the windows in plastic sheeting. Not only will this save you money now, but it can also lower costs as the season moves into the winter months.
If you want to see higher cost savings, take an inventory of what types of warming appliances and devices you use. While the weather is still somewhat temperate, skip energy-draining option such as electric blankets or plug-in heaters.
Yard Clean-Up
An electric leaf blower, mower, or other similar gardening/lawn care item can add to your energy bills. Even though these devices aren't likely to cause a serious spike in your utility costs, they can add to your home's overall electrical expenses.
To save money on your fall yard clean-up, choose battery or gas-powered tools instead of ones that plug in - especially if you have a large yard or clear your yard often.
Shorter Days
As the autumn advances the days get shorter. The lack of daylight may mean you use electricity more often. With additional lighting needs, you may see a spike in your bills.
What can you do to maintain a bright autumn interior? Try a similar strategy as you would to decrease energy usage due to Halloween décor lighting. Swap out old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.
Along with a light bulb swap, turn off lights in rooms you aren't using and open your window treatments during the daylight hours. Even though the days are significantly shorter in comparison to the summer season, you still have more sunlight hours now than you will in a few months.
Have you made changes, but still want to lower your electricity bills even more? New energy-saving appliances and other electrical upgrades may save you money now and for the other three seasons. Contact
Presley & Son Electric Service
for more information.
