Question – Steps to Take to Lower Your Electric Bill
|
How to Lower Your Electric Bill: Home Appliances and Electrical Consumption. Tracking Down High Energy that leads to Big Electric Bills |
Electric Usage and Utility Bills
Electrical Question: Should I get a new hot water heater since getting an electrician would probably cost me as much as a new water unit?
In November I noticed a jump in my power bill (from $31-42 to $89). Since I had already put up multiple lights for the holidays, I wasn’t that surprised (my bill had more than doubled)…however when my bill tripled for December (to $114), and then continued to be more than double I called Appalachian Power. My home is five years old and I have been in it since March. I am basing the increase on my bills from the year.
AEP stated that yes they saw the energy usage surge and so came out to check my meter box. They installed a new digital meter and said nothing was wrong at their end, it was probably my hot water heater. I had a cousin check my water heater and he said he THOUGHT it was OK. He is a teacher and isn’t too savvy either.
Now….I have changed nothing as far as appliances or usage is concerned other than getting a television, which I watch from 1-3 hours a day on most days. Other days it doesn’t run at all. Rarely I watch for longer than 3 hours on rainy weekends. I keep my heat at 55 in the winter and work 12 hour days. I have two mini night lights and one mini window candle. But I had those in March. Since I had NO heat or air on last month and it was still $88, I have guessed that it is not my Trane heating and cooling system.
Or should I just get a new hot water heater since getting an electrician would probably cost me as much as a new water unit? I can install the unit myself. I have done so in my last home twice over the years.
I had a problem with my refrigerator last April and had it repaired. The bills remained consistently low following the repair of the motor. The motor does seem to run a lot but then it always has, since I moved in. I wash one load of laundry every week with an extra load every other week.
Please give me any ideas and suggestions you may have…..I am not wealthy and like most Americans I live from paycheck to paycheck so a large financial outlay will be difficult. HELP!
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your Electrical Question.
How to Lower Your Electric Bill
Home Appliances and Electrical Consumption
Tracking Down High Energy that leads to Big Electric Bills
Have you had the refrigerator coils cleaned?
This will add to the consumption as well. How close is the refer to the wall(s). Refrigerators and freezers are known to be ignored, set up too high and run a lot. I’d check the coils and make sure they are clean.
Is the dryer electric? If so – is it venting ok?
More about Saving Energy
I have placed some more Energy Savings resources up on the website – Just click here: Energy Savings Guide
Home Energy Savings
Methods that show how to start saving energy right away for very little investment compared to the savings you will realize.
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
|
||||||||
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
||
| More articles about Electric Appliance Questions and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
| « Previous | Next » |
| Question – Troubleshooting a Dryer Plug | Question – Halogen Bulbs |
