Try these tips to lower your electric bill
Q: I was reviewing my electric-bill charges, and I found that my kilowatt-hour usage was much higher over the past two winters than I remember from earlier years. How is this possible, when I haven’t installed any new appliances or heating systems, or increased my average electric usage (as far as I’m aware)? How can I lower the amount of electricity I’m using, especially considering prices these days? — Dan in Minneapolis
A: The first thing to do is contact your electric company and explain your findings. The customer-service representative might have some immediate suggestions for you in regard to finding a source of the increased usage.
You can perform a quick check of the meter, on your own, to see if power is being siphoned off — unlikely, but possible. Turn off all power at the circuit box, wait five minutes and check the meter. If it continues to turn, power is still being drawn for some reason. Contact the electric company immediately to have a technician investigate.
Another option is to take advantage of the free or low-cost energy audit that electric companies offer. The company either will send you an audit kit, or send a technician. This is a great, inexpensive way to find areas where heat is being lost. Because you have owned this home for several years, there’s a possibility that insulation and weatherstripping have been damaged or are breaking down.
Common areas for air leaks include small gaps around joists, sills and windows, which can appear after several years due to the natural settling of the foundation and constant expansion and contraction of building materials through the seasons. Dryer and bath vents, as well as fireplace dampers, are culprits, too. Wall outlets are not always insulated and can be a source of heat loss; insulating pads can be installed behind the plates.
Attic insulation should be somewhat lofty, not compressed tightly (if you’re not certain, write down the rating on the backing paper and look at a new sample at the hardware store for comparison); it should also be properly rated for your insulation zone. And check weatherstripping around windows and doors for deterioration.
One caveat: Don’t plug up building vents installed during construction, such as attic, soffit or crawl-space vents; these create an airflow envelope around the house to prevent mold and other health hazards.