More than weather impacts your bill
There is no doubt the amount of electricity you use is based primarily on the weather. Only a few days of extreme temperature highs or lows can increase the amount of electricity you use and cause your bill to be noticeably higher or lower.
In addition to weather, there are a number of other factors that can affect your bill:
- Your meter is read on the same date every month. However a change in the length of the month can cause each monthly billing cycle to vary in the number of days it covers from 28 days to up to 31 days.
- Family members all contribute differently to electric consumption and the number of people in your home reflects in your usage. Guests, a new baby or college age children home during their break mean more lights in use, more hot water consumed and more appliances in operation.
- Hot tubs and swimming pool pumps are big energy users. If your hot tub or pump is not on a separate meter from your house meter, pay attention to what months these systems are in use, as they will surely have an impact on your bill.
- When a large appliance such as a freezer, big screen tv or second refrigerator is added to your existing appliances, your electric bill will go up. When buying new appliances, make sure they are energy efficient by using the yellow energy guide to compare yearly energy costs.
- Fires are cozy during the cold winter months, but can show up on your bill if you leave the electric resistance heat on at the same time. The open fireplace damper is like leaving a hidden window wide open. Since warm air loves to rise up and out, your electric resistance heat has to make up for that escaped air causing an increase in your power use.
- Pay attention to months where you’re home more often than usual. Holiday months or months with five weekends will show more electric usage. The more time you spend at home, the more electricity you will use on laundry, cooking and leisure activities.