7 common mistakes that increase your electricity bills

Why does your electricity bill keep rising every month? This is the question many Nigerians in different Bands during this period may be asking. However, many people unknowingly make simple mistakes that increase their energy consumption, which leads to higher bills. 

You can reduce energy usage and save money by identifying these mistakes that increase electricity bills. Here are some of the most common mistakes.

1. Leaving Appliances Plugged In

Many people believe that turning off an appliance stops it from using electricity. However, even when appliances are turned off but still plugged in, they consume energy. This is known as “phantom” or “vampire” power. Devices like TVs, microwaves, and phone chargers continue to draw small amounts of power, adding up over time.

2. Using Old, Energy-Inefficient Appliances

Older appliances tend to consume more electricity than newer, energy-efficient models. Refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners that are over a decade old often lack the energy-saving technologies found in newer models, leading to higher electricity consumption.

3. Overusing Air Conditioning

Air conditioners can account for a large portion of your electricity bill in hot climates. Many people leave their AC running all day, even when not home, drastically increasing energy consumption.

4. Ignoring Energy-Saving Light Bulbs

Traditional incandescent bulbs use a lot of electricity compared to modern alternatives like LED or CFL bulbs. If you stick to old bulbs, you will use more power to light your home.

Read Also: Time to upgrade our electricity infrastructure

5. Running Half-Empty Appliances

Running your washing machine, dishwasher, or dryer with small loads wastes energy. These appliances use nearly the same amount of power,, whether full or half-empty.

6. Forgetting to Turn Off Lights

It’s easy to forget to turn off lights when leaving a room, but this small habit can add up over time. Leaving lights on unnecessarily is a common mistake that increases electricity bills.

7. Setting Your Water Heater Temperature Too High

Water heaters consume a significant amount of energy, especially when the temperature is set higher than necessary. Many people set their water heater to maximum heat, which can increase electricity costs.

By avoiding these common mistakes that increase electricity bills, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and save money.