Massachusetts has been experiencing an increase in electric bills for past years. Having one of the highest average retail electricity rates in the country, the government of MA is taking steps to lower electric consumption.
Some residents have turned to alternative natural energy sources like hydropower, wind, nuclear, and solar. However, some still have high electric consumption rates and a corresponding increase in electric bills.
What Causes Your Electric Bills to Rise Continuously?
You might have adjusted the usage of your appliances but still get electric bills that are too high. If your electric bills continue to increase, there must be something wrong. The following are some factors that cause your energy costs to rise.
Uninsulated Parts of the House
How much and how often you use your HVAC system depends on the constantly changing weather in MA. There will be days that you will use more of your air conditioner and your heater afterwards. This can either increase or decrease your monthly bills.
The use of your HVAC system contributes to your electric bill. If your house is not properly insulated, the hot air produced by your HVAC system in winter will most likely escape through your walls, ceiling, and roof. The same thing goes with the cold air produced by your air conditioner during summer.
Outdated Appliances
Another factor that contributes to the increase in your electric bills is the age of your appliances. As time passes, they begin to deteriorate and tend to work harder than newer ones. Also, older equipment is most likely not made according to updated, required energy standards.
Appliances on Standby Mode
You might be thinking that you are saving money when you turn off your appliances after use. However, they do not actually shut down after you turn them off. They simply stay on standby mode and continuously consume energy even when not in use.
Improper Maintenance or Installation of Appliances
An improperly maintained or installed appliance can be considered damaged. For instance, if your HVAC system is defective; it consumes more energy to keep the temperature at a comfortable level. You might not notice that your HVAC system is broken until you see your electric bill.
Consumption of Electricity During Peak Hours
Another factor that affects your electric bill is the time of use (TOU) plan provided by some utility companies. TOU plans charge electric usage depending on the time of the day. Usage during peak hours, usually in the morning and early evening, can cost more because power is in high demand.
How to Save Electricity in MA?
Now that you have already learned the factors that affect your electricity bills, you might be thinking of ways to save electricity. Everyone wants to avoid spending too much on power, especially during the summer and winter when the HVAC system is used almost all day.
If you think your electricity bill is too high, you’re likely wondering if there’s a way you can reduce energy consumption. Consider following these energy saving tips:
Add Insulation to Your House
Check for any air or water leaks in your walls, attic, and basement. If you find any cracks or seepage, it is best to hire a professional home insulation service to improve the insulation of your house.
Properly insulated walls, roofs, and crawlspaces help keep cold air inside your house during summer and outside during winter. This allows you to reduce your dependence on your HVAC system, resulting in a decrease in your electric bills.
Upgrade to Newer Appliances
Nowadays, companies are offering energy-efficient appliances. To save on energy costs, upgrade to newer models. For instance, instead of using incandescent bulbs, opt for LED lights. They use 80% to 90% less energy. They’re also brighter, and they last much longer than conventional lights.
New appliances may cost a lot upfront, but they can actually save you more money in the long run. Changing to newer, energy-efficient models is an investment that will eventually pay off.
Unplug Devices When Not in Use
When you turn off your television, it does not totally shut down. Rather, it stays on standby mode until you power it back on. You might think that you are saving energy this way but in reality, your television continues to consume electricity.
Although appliances on standby mode use less power than when they are in use, small amounts of power consumption can add up. This wasted energy actually contributes 3% to 10% to your electric bill.
To reduce energy consumption, unplug your appliances after using them. If you don’t want to crawl under furniture every time you plug or unplug your appliances, you can use smart power strips.
Power strips allow you to plug in more than one device, removing the need to connect them to individual outlets. Instead of unplugging multiple appliances, you can just turn off the power strip.
Clean Your HVAC System Regularly
If you notice that your HVAC system does not provide adequate cold or warm air, then you might want to check its filter. The dirt forming inside your HVAC unit blocks air, preventing it from circulating around your home. Cleaning its filter from time to time will allow it to work better.
Choose the Right Time to Use Energy
If you want to save on your electric bill, you can check which times of the day is the most suitable to use energy at a lower rate. Avoid using unnecessary appliances during peak hours.
Sign Up for Mass Save® Programs
If you are having a hard time saving energy, hire a professional who can advise you on the necessary adjustments. To assist you in saving energy, turn to Revise Inc.
Revise Inc. is a trusted contractor that provides Mass Save program services to homeowners, renters, and businesses across MA. We pride ourselves on our more than 100 years of building efficiency experience.
What Revise Inc. Has to Offer to MA Residents
Our team of experts will provide you with solutions to reduce energy consumption and teach you ways to save electricity. We offer home energy assessments as well as insulation and air sealing services.
No-Cost Home Energy Assessment
During a home assessment, your house will be visited by the home energy auditor. He or she will check if your space has enough insulation, if your HVAC system is working properly, or if there are any leaks, cracks, or mold buildup in any areas of your house.
The home energy auditor will change your inefficient light bulbs to LED lights and may provide you with other energy-saving items. He or she will also discuss with you the adjustments that need to be done in your house to make it more efficient. In addition, the auditor will educate you on the rebates and incentives you may receive from Mass Save.
The cost of the assessment service you will be covered by the Mass Save program. The only thing you need to pay for is the insulation if you decide to purchase the service. The assessment is no-cost due to the energy conservation charge on the energy bills.
Insulation and Air Sealing Services
Adding insulation to your home does not only save you money but also helps protect the environment by reducing your carbon emissions. The home energy auditor may recommend improving your house’s insulation, changing or repairing your HVAC system, or going solar depending on the results of the assessment.
Reduce Energy Consumption With Our Help
If you want to save money through efficient use of energy, get in touch with Revise Inc. We have partnered with different home service and community energy efficiency providers who can assist you with all your power saving needs. Call us today to book your no-cost Home Energy Assessment.
