You get your hydro bill and are baffled at the amount you are charged. Your hydro bill is much higher than you expected! It is a common but unnerving experience for all Canadian residents.
You might even think you were saving energy, but here are some common culprits that explain your steep monthly hydro bill.
Why Your Hydro Bill is High
1. Weather Fluctuations
Everyday weather plays a big part in why your hydro bill could be so high. On hot or humid days, you or your family can be unaware of turning up the air conditioning.
The energy consumption of having the air conditioning on all day or even all night can mean extra cents to dollars on your hydro bill. You are not immune to high household energy consumption even on cold winter nights.
Cranking the thermostat to stay warm is a surefire way to increase your monthly utility bill. So save yourself some money and grab a few extra blankets to stay warm on those cold nights.
2. On-Peak Usage
Depending on your region’s Time-of-Use pricing, the total amount you are charged for using electricity depends on the time and day you consume energy.
Consider shifting your baking, laundry, or dishes hours to later in the evening, after 7 pm, or on the weekends to save money when the hydroelectricity rates are the lowest.
3. Phantom Power
Phantom power is attributed to electronics or devices that pull power when plugged in, even when turned off. Phantom power can add up as all the electronics and devices in your household are plugged in throughout the day, unbeknownst to you, consuming a lot of energy.
A helpful way to reduce phantom power is to use power bars, which can give you the power to cut off your devices from draining your pockets.
4. Seasonal Appliances
When climate changes, some families end up using appliances that were put into storage all throughout the year. During the summer, groups of people start uncovering their pools and jacuzzis to enjoy with their families.
Holiday lights over Christmas are also a huge energy drain most people are not unaware of. You might turn on other seasonal appliances: space heaters, dehumidifiers, and fans.
5. Household Appliances
It’s easy to order a new microwave or television off Amazon, but with each appliance, you add to your household, you consume more power. Going for the bigger television screen over the smaller one can also increase your energy usage.
If you are looking for energy-saving appliances, look for the Energy Star logo when you purchase another device. If your appliances haven’t been updated in a while, they might be worth replacing with the newer model. Older appliances tend to be energy-suckers than their comparable newer and more efficient models.
6. Household Numbers
If you come from a big household, your energy consumption might be extremely high as more members mean more devices used and more lights turned on.
When your kids are returning from college or if there is a new baby in the family, all those extra bodies can tally up the energy consumed in the household.
You might also reconsider the number of houseguests you entertain. If you are a social butterfly and love hosting parties, your houseguests can be the other reason behind your high energy costs.
7. Household Leaks
Air leaks play a major role in changing the room temperature of your house and wasting energy. One common culprit behind air leaks in the basement.
To fight the frequent basement chill, caulk the cracks of your foundation, add carpeting, and ensure padding and insulation to the walls are plenty. Window leaks can also drain your pockets as air can seep through improperly installed or old windows.
If you suspect your windows are letting warm air out, you can confirm this by lighting up a match and seeing if the smoke curls upward. If it goes upward, you just confirmed your room is airtight.
If the smoke blows away from the window, there is an air leak in your room. You can reach out to your local window store to see if you can get your windows replaced or caulk any cracks that might be the reason behind your energy drain.
Another leak to be mindful of is hot water leaks from any taps. It’s common that human error can be a factor in why your faucet is dripping water throughout the day. Ensure your taps are tightened shut after every use to avoid a steep hydro bill at the end of the month.
