{"id":23426,"date":"2025-12-15T16:07:14","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T16:07:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/why-is-my-electric-bill-so-high-explained\/"},"modified":"2026-04-01T15:03:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T15:03:55","slug":"why-is-my-electric-bill-so-high-explained","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/why-is-my-electric-bill-so-high-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Questions to Ask Yourself to Determine Why Your Electric Bill is so High"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n.chariot-article {\n  max-width: 800px;\n  margin: 0 auto;\n  padding: 40px;\n  font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, \"Segoe UI\", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, sans-serif;\n  font-size: 18px;\n  line-height: 1.8;\n  color: #333;\n}\n.chariot-article h1 {\n  font-size: 2.5em;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  line-height: 1.2;\n  margin: 0 0 30px 0;\n  color: #1a1a1a;\n}\n.chariot-article h2 {\n  font-size: 1.8em;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  line-height: 1.3;\n  margin: 50px 0 20px 0;\n  color: #1a1a1a;\n  border-bottom: 2px solid #f7931e;\n  padding-bottom: 10px;\n}\n.chariot-article h3 {\n  font-size: 1.4em;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  line-height: 1.4;\n  margin: 40px 0 15px 0;\n  color: #333;\n}\n.chariot-article h4 {\n  font-size: 1.2em;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  margin: 30px 0 10px 0;\n  color: #444;\n}\n.chariot-article p {\n  margin: 0 0 20px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article img {\n  max-width: 100%;\n  height: auto;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  margin: 30px 0;\n  display: block;\n}\n.chariot-article figure {\n  margin: 30px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article figcaption {\n  font-size: 0.9em;\n  color: #666;\n  text-align: center;\n  margin-top: 10px;\n  font-style: italic;\n}\n.chariot-article ul, .chariot-article ol {\n  margin: 20px 0 20px 30px;\n  padding: 0;\n}\n.chariot-article li {\n  margin-bottom: 12px;\n  line-height: 1.6;\n}\n.chariot-article a {\n  color: #f7931e;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  border-bottom: 1px solid transparent;\n  transition: border-color 0.2s;\n}\n.chariot-article a:hover {\n  border-bottom-color: #f7931e;\n}\n.chariot-article blockquote {\n  border-left: 4px solid #f7931e;\n  margin: 30px 0;\n  padding: 20px 30px;\n  background: #f9f9f9;\n  font-style: italic;\n  color: #555;\n}\n.chariot-article strong {\n  font-weight: 600;\n  color: #1a1a1a;\n}\n.chariot-article em {\n  font-style: italic;\n}\n.chariot-article hr {\n  border: none;\n  border-top: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\n  margin: 40px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article table {\n  width: 100%;\n  border-collapse: collapse;\n  margin: 30px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article th, .chariot-article td {\n  padding: 12px 15px;\n  text-align: left;\n  border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\n}\n.chariot-article th {\n  background: #f5f5f5;\n  font-weight: 600;\n}\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .chariot-article {\n    padding: 20px;\n    font-size: 16px;\n  }\n  .chariot-article h1 { font-size: 2em; }\n  .chariot-article h2 { font-size: 1.5em; }\n  .chariot-article h3 { font-size: 1.25em; }\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"chariot-article\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" alt=\"A couple tries to understand their high energy bill\" class=\"wp-image-3521\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/high-electric-bill-scaled-1-1.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<p>Paying bills is part of life, but your electricity bill should never become a burden on your budget. If your energy bill is so high that it puts a sizeable dent in your wallet, then the solution lies in one or both of these factors:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Your energy rate is too high<\/strong>, compared to the market, so consider changing plans<\/li>\n<li><strong>Your energy usage is too high<\/strong>, so you need to lower it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We\u2019ve assembled ten questions to ask yourself in your pursuit of solving a high energy bill problem, allowing you to start saving money.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. What\u2019s Your Current Electricity Rate?<\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s start off with some basic statistics. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, here\u2019s a snapshot of an average Texas residential utility customer in 2018:<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consumed an average of 1,176 kWh of electricity per month<\/li>\n<li>Their average rate was 11.2 cents per kWh<\/li>\n<li>Their average bill was $131.65<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>So, with that baseline in mind, you should be able to determine if your electricity rate (the average price\/kWh) is too high or around that number. Keep in mind that a few cents difference in the bill isn\u2019t that big of a deal, but when it starts changing dollar amounts, your rate is probably too high, so you should start shopping for a new plan.\u00a0  Keep in mind, while Texas has historically had some of the lowest rates in the country, in recent years rates have risen in the Lone Star State due to rising consumer demand and dwindling generation capacity.  <\/p>\n<p><em>We even have a blog post filled with <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/blog\/how-to-shop-for-electricity-in-texas\/\"><em>tips on how to effectively shop for electricity in Texas<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>If your rate is close to that average but your bill\u2019s still too high, then you\u2019re using too much electricity. If your energy consumption (the kWh amount) is higher than that state average posted above, then that\u2019s the culprit of your higher bills. Which means it\u2019s time to learn how to use less energy around the house.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. When is the Last Time You Changed Your Air Filter?<\/h2>\n<p>If your answer is \u201cMore than three months,\u201d that\u2019s a problem. A dirty air filter makes your air conditioning system work harder, which then requires more energy. A fresh air filter prevents dust build-up in your system that can cause big problems down the road.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While replacing your air filter every two to three months is technically fine, we recommend changing it every 30-45 days to keep your HVAC system spick-and-span. Buy in bulk to reduce the cost, and you will always have a new one when you need it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Combine this practice with a quality fan, and you\u2019ve got yourself a lower energy bill!\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Have You Checked for Drafts and Any Air Leaks Recently?\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>If not, you can skip the professional inspection and look for drafts yourself. Simply dampen your hand with a little water and pass it slowly around common leak sites like these:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wiring holes<\/li>\n<li>Windows<\/li>\n<li>Doors<\/li>\n<li>Vents<\/li>\n<li>Recessed lights<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If your hand feels cool, that\u2019s the air coming through the draft is evaporating the water. It means you\u2019ve found a draft in your home that needs to be sealed!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Most likely, it\u2019s because your weatherstripping material is old and needs replacing. Thankfully, weatherstripping is super inexpensive and you can replace it yourself. You don\u2019t even need to know which kind you need.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Visit your local hardware store online or over the phone, as they will most likely sell any type of weatherstripping you need. An associate can tell you which one is right for your particular drafty area. Believe it or not, this tiny swap can save you up to 30% in energy costs from heating and cooling.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img alt=\"A woman replaces an incandescent light bulb for an energy-efficient LED bulb\" class=\"wp-image-1556\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1282\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/change-light-bulb-1.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Compared to regular halogen bulbs, LED light bulbs are so much more energy efficient, last for years, and will save you more money in the long run.<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Do You Use LED Light Bulbs?<\/h2>\n<p>No? Well, you should be. In fact, by replacing just five of the most frequently used incandescent light bulbs in your home with LED versions, you can save up to $75 per year in electricity costs.<sup>3<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>Yes, just FIVE bulbs.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The reality is incandescent light bulbs are 90% inefficient. Only 10% of the energy they use goes toward light production. The rest is heat energy, which raises both the temperature in your house and your electric bill, since that extra heat makes your AC work extra-hard.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>LED light bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescents, and they last up to 25 times longer. So, while the upfront cost of LED light bulbs might be a little more, they actually save you more money (and energy) in the long run.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. How Often Do You Use Your Oven?<\/h2>\n<p>The oven is essentially a giant heater that uses lots of energy. So, when you use it on a regular basis, especially during summer months, it makes your house hotter. In turn, your AC runs rampant to counterbalance the excess heat created from that big machine.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Luckily, there are several ways you could conserve that energy.\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Microwave your food<\/li>\n<li>Use your stovetop<\/li>\n<li>Cook outside by grilling<\/li>\n<li>Skip preheating if you have to use your oven<\/li>\n<li>Use a toaster oven that doesn\u2019t require as much energy and doesn\u2019t create as much heat<\/li>\n<li>Put that air fryer to good use<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Do You Run Less than a Full Load of Dishes in Your Dishwasher?<\/h2>\n<p>Sure, dishwashers are so convenient, but they use lots of energy. Unless your dishwasher is filled to the brim, don\u2019t turn it on. Otherwise, you\u2019re wasting hot water and energy.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Go even further and turn off the heat dry setting. It might seem super-convenient, but it\u2019s definitely not necessary and uses unnecessary electricity. It\u2019s similar to your oven in that it\u2019s essentially a heater for your house.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Thus, each time the rinse cycle is complete, hand-dry your dishes or just open the dishwasher and let the dishes air out on their own. The water is already hot, so it will evaporate quickly.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Do you have a programmable thermostat?<\/h2>\n<p>And we don\u2019t mean a fancy smart thermometer. A programmable thermostat allows you to automate your home\u2019s temperature based on your family\u2019s schedule. It\u2019s perfect for people who are always on the go and need something they can just set and forget instead of changing the temperature settings.<\/p>\n<p>However, it\u2019s not the programmable thermostat that saves you money \u2014 it\u2019s the temperature settings you program into the system! For the optimal energy efficiency tips, check out our articles about <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/blog\/what-temperature-should-i-set-my-air-conditioner-in-summer\/\">the best thermostat temperatures for summer<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/blog\/reasonable-temperature-home-winter\/\">the best temperature settings for winter<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img alt=\"Power strip\" class=\"wp-image-2574\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1079\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Power-Strip-1.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Power strips are a super cheap and efficient way to save money from vampire appliances that leach power.<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Do You Plug Your Appliances into Power Strips?<\/h2>\n<p>It might surprise you to learn that your appliances may be leeching hundreds of dollars worth of power even when they\u2019re \u201coff.\u201d In reality, many of your home appliances never turn off. They\u2019re merely in standby mode, which slowly but surely drains power to keep them in this semi-off state, waiting for you to turn them on.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This condition is known as are called <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/vampire-electricity\/\">vampire electricity<\/a>, and it costs an average of $200 a year in every household, according to Cornell University\u2019s Department of Design and Environmental Analysis.<sup>4 <\/sup>Common appliances that suck up vampire electricity include your:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Water heater<\/li>\n<li>Television<\/li>\n<li>Laptop<\/li>\n<li>Gaming consoles<\/li>\n<li>Coffee maker<\/li>\n<li>Microwave<\/li>\n<li>Printer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The easiest fix is a power strip that collects as many plugs as possible into a single location. When you\u2019re not using the plugged-in devices \u2014 say, at night or when you\u2019re at work \u2014 you can simply switch off the power strip.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. How long does it take you to shower or bathe?\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>If it\u2019s longer than 15 minutes, you are doing harm to your energy bill and your skin! Dermatologists report that the longer you stay in the shower, the more your skin dries out. Moreover, really hot showers \u2014 those using more hot water and thus more energy \u2014 strip our skin of its natural oils, leading to a higher risk of itchy dry skin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>We recommend that your shower last between five and 15 minutes and use warm ( not scalding) water. Your bill and your skin will thank you.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Woman loading a washing machine\" class=\"wp-image-1552\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1080\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/loading-laundry-machine.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">While some instances require washing your clothes in hot water, we recommend washing most of your clothes on cold to save money in water heating costs. <\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Do You Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water?<\/h2>\n<p>You could save as much as $66 annually by doing laundry in cold water, according to ENERGY STAR, a program backed by the EPA and the Energy Department.<sup>5<\/sup> Not only is cold water easier on your clothes, but heating water requires a lot of energy. In fact, your water heater\u2019s the <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/what-uses-most-electricity-your-home\/\">third most energy-consuming appliance<\/a> in your house. So, whatever you can do to cut down on hot water will no doubt slim down your bill.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Resources<\/h2>\n<p>We have many, many more tips to help you lower your home energy usage. Chariot Energy is an electricity company that actually cares about how you use power! For even more ways you can cut your consumption, lower your bill and help the environment, check out \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/blog\/energy-saving-tips\/\">Our Guide to Save Energy at Home<\/a>\u201d so you can become a more responsible, more educated consumer.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Check it out <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/blog\/energy-saving-tips\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>Sources<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/electricity\/sales_revenue_price\/pdf\/table5_a.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/electricity\/sales_revenue_price\/pdf\/table5_a.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2002\/09\/020926065912.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2002\/09\/020926065912.htm<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you wonder why your electricity bill is so high, ask yourself these 10 questions so you can learn how to lower your bill and save money.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":23510,"parent":627,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-23426","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23426","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23426"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23426\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/627"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23510"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23426"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}