You have a TV, microwave, electric range and cooktop, refrigerator, heat pump, and computer. So does your next-door neighbor. So why is their electric bill almost twice as high every month?
Consider: How well are your walls insulated compared to your neighbor’s? Do they take longer, hotter showers? Are they cooking complicated meals or baking from scratch while you opt to microwave? Does their TV keep them company even when they are not watching it?
Just as no two families are alike, no two electric bills are the same. Comparing your monthly statement to anyone else’s would be like comparing your weekly grocery tabs. It’s unlikely that any two families will spend the same amount on food because tastes and habits differ.
Think about the conveniences your neighbor might be willing to pay for that you may not be. Are they more comfortable sleeping in an extra-cool house on summer nights? Maybe your neighbor’s thermostat setting is a few degrees cooler at bedtime.
The best way to lower your electric costs is to use energy more efficiently before the bill comes. If your neighbor’s bill is lower or higher than yours, ask for some tips about how to save.
