This article is your guide to figuring out why your electric bill is so high. Some of the main culprits are vampire appliances, outdated bulbs, and inefficient appliances that are stacking up your electric bill. In this article, we are going to discuss what can make your electric bill so high, and what you can do about it.
Here at The Energy Professor, we want to give you the information you need to not only save money on your energy bill but to also become more energy efficient. We hope find this post helpful! And makes it easier for you to know more about why your electric bill is so high. Be sure to also check out our one-of-a-kind energy savings calculator!
The Energy Professor Electricity Rate Check Tool
Why is My Electric Bill So High 2025?
The most common reasons why your electricity bill is so high are, more often than not, due to outdated appliances, insufficient insulation, high utility electricity rates, or inefficient thermostats. It also could just simply be because of the state you live in. Electricity bills can fluctuate vastly, sometimes by hundreds of dollars from month to month. This can make it difficult to pinpoint the exact reason why your energy bill is so high. But we want to help you find ways to help reduce the electric bill! That’s why we’ve compiled the most common reasons why your electricity bill is too high below.
What Are Causes of High Electricity Bills 2025?
- Vampire appliances
- Outdated light bulbs
- Inefficient thermostat use
- Older appliances
- Insufficient insulation
- Utility provider rates
If you have recently seen a spike in electric bills, be sure to check these common causes of high energy consumption first. To help you understand what causes high electric bills and energy usage, let’s discuss each of these topics in depth.
Related Post: Complete Guide to Electric Delivery Vs Electric Supply
#1 – Vampire Appliances
A big component of high electricity bills is vampire appliances. These are appliances that are constantly plugged in and continue to pull power even though they’re turned off. This is common for many newer appliances that never truly power down when turned off. Most devices default to a standby mode to be more easily powered back on when needed. This may seem useful but by powering off, you will see a significant difference in your high energy bills.
High Electricity Usage Vampire Devices:
- Dryer
- Washing Machine
- Microwave
- Lighting devices
- Dishwasher
- TVs
- Gaming systems
If you want more control over your electric bill cost you could put appliances on power strips and flip the strips off when they are not in use. That ensures that no power is being drained from the device since it is completely turned off.
Related Post: What is Vampire Power?
#2 – Outdated Lightbulbs
Inefficient light bulbs can contribute a surprisingly large amount to why your electric bill is high. On average, a typical household room has 4 – 5 incandescent light bulbs. When all of these bulbs are turned on, the cost of the usage adds up very quickly if they are not all LED lightbulbs. LED light bulbs are a newer type of bulb that is slightly higher upfront, but can save you a ton of money. Certain types of LEDs can last up to 25,000 hours, which makes them 90% more efficient than incandescent bulbs.
Beyond the sheer number of bulbs, consider the heat they generate. Incandescent bulbs waste a significant portion of their energy as heat, which not only contributes to wasted electricity but can also force your air conditioning to work harder, further increasing your energy consumption during warmer months. This double-whammy of inefficiency makes outdated bulbs a major culprit in high electricity costs.
Related Post: How to Choose the Best LED Lightbulb
#3 – Inefficient Thermostat Use
Most consumers don’t think twice about adjusting the temperature inside if it gets uncomfortable. Typically, if those thermostat changes are monitored well, it won’t appear to be much of an issue. But, if you’re a person who sets and forgets, you may be costing yourself a lot of money. If you’re wondering why your electric bill went up in the summer months, it could be that you were cooling your home while nobody was inside of it.
How Low Should You Turn Down Your Thermostat at Night?
- Typically, you start seeing the most savings by setting back your thermostat by 7-10 degrees. At night in the summer, set your thermostat at least 7 degrees higher than during the day. In the winter, set it at least 7 degrees lower than during the day.
Your electric bill could be high in extreme weather months due to just forgetting to adjust the temps when you weren’t at home. Some homes can install smart devices to automatically adjust the temperature according to the time of day. Therefore, it keeps you from using too much electricity to heat or cool a space with nobody inside of it.
Related Post: How to Save Money on Your Thermostat
#4 – Outdated Appliances
If you’ve been running that outdated washer and dryer or old refrigerator more this month than last month, it could be causing your electricity bill to be too expensive. This is for a rather simple reason: new appliances are made to be more energy efficient, and typically, Energy Star certified. These appliances are guaranteed to save energy by anywhere from 10-50% compared to regular appliances. Next time you get a high electric bill, make sure to inspect all of your appliances for the Energy Star certification. Beyond just the sticker, outdated appliances often suffer from degraded components, leading to increased energy consumption.
For example, a refrigerator with worn door seals forces the compressor to work harder, consuming significantly more electricity. Similarly, older washing machines may use excessive water and energy due to less efficient motors and cycles. Investing in modern, Energy Star rated appliances not only reduces your average electric bill but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle and helps you save money. Consider upgrading to lower your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint.
Related Post: What is Green Energy?
#5 – Insufficient Insulation
Another hidden culprit of what causes energy bills to be high is a home with insufficient insulation. One of the largest components of your energy bill comes from the way we heat or cool our homes. Therefore, if you have to use air conditioning or heating, you could be just throwing your money away if you don’t have proper insulation. Outdated windows and larger drafty places such as basements or attics are common causes of high electric bills. Both of these issues allow conditioned air to escape your house. Beyond simple air leakage, inadequate insulation leads to thermal bridging, where heat readily transfers through poorly insulated areas like walls and ceilings. This forces your HVAC system to work overtime, consuming excessive energy to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Older insulation materials can degrade over time, losing their R-value and effectiveness. Addressing insulation deficiencies through upgrades like adding attic insulation, sealing air leaks, and replacing old windows can significantly reduce your energy consumption and lower your monthly bills. This is a crucial step for achieving energy efficiency and avoiding higher energy costs.
Related Post: The Best Time to Do Laundry
#6 – Utility Provider Rates
Every single year energy prices have risen, and it is expected to skyrocket in price in the coming years. If you’re lucky enough to live in a deregulated energy market, you may be able to shop for electricity rates and find a cheaper energy option. If you are stuck with your utility provider in a regulated market, you unfortunately have no choice and have to watch your consumption. There are also options to switch your home to renewable energy resources, such as solar panels or wind power, to help with very high electricity consumption. Beyond simply comparing rates, understanding the nuances of your utility bill is crucial.
Factors like time-of-use pricing, peak demand charges, and various service fees can significantly impact your overall cost. In regulated markets, advocating for energy efficiency programs and exploring community solar initiatives can offer alternative avenues for savings. Additionally, staying informed about energy market trends and potential policy changes can help you anticipate future price fluctuations and make informed decisions about your energy consumption and sourcing.
If you want to see how much money you will save switching your energy provider, you can use our Electricity Rate Check Tool. It automatically checks the rates you currently have, and what you can save by switching with The Energy Professor!
Related Post: Complete Guide to Electric Delivery Vs Electric Supply
Tips and Tricks for Reducing a High Electric Bill 2025
If you’re unable to switch your energy provider, you might need some tips and tricks to lower your high usage of electricity. That’s why we’ve put together this small list of some of our best tricks to keep that energy bill low!
How Do I Reduce My High Electric Bill?
- Call utility provider about discounts
- Install smart power strips
- Check the temperature of your freezer and fridge
- Fix all poor seals on windows and doors
- Make sure all of your bulbs are LED lightbulbs
- Replace all filters in-house
- Find and fix leaks
- Perform an energy audit on your house
- Do only full loads of laundry with COLD water
Related Post: Become a Member and Start Saving on Your Electricity Bill Today!
Why is My Electric Bill So High FAQ
Q: Why Do I Have High Electricity Bills?
A: The most common reasons why your electricity bill is so high always have to do with outdated appliances, insufficient insulation, high utility electricity rates, and inefficient thermostats. It’s also important to factor in the state you live in while comparing these factors.
Q: Why did my electric bill go up in the summer?
A: It could be that you were cooling your home while nobody was inside of it. Your electric bill could be high in extreme weather months due to just forgetting to adjust the temps when you weren’t at home. Some homes can install smart devices to automatically adjust the temperature according to the time of day. Therefore, it keeps you from using too much electricity to heat or cool a space with nobody inside of it.
Q: What runs your electric bill up the most?
A: Several factors can contribute to high electric bills, including heating and cooling, appliance usage, lighting, and electronics.
Do you Need Cheaper Electricity?
If you’ve taken the time to understand the information on your bill and discovered you’re paying more than you’d like for your electricity, have you looked around for a cheaper deal? The Energy Professor has a wealth of information on ways to save on your utilities, including details of top deals that could significantly reduce your monthly or quarterly electricity bills.
We hope you found this article helpful! If you are looking for ways to increase energy efficiency and sustainability in your home be sure to take a look at all of the latest renewable energy options in your area. The Energy Professor helps residential and small business owners find qualified energy suppliers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Maryland, Illinois, and Massachusetts
