If you notice that your energy bill has increased, don’t panic. Read the article to know Reasons why your Home Electricity Bill is so High And Tips to reduce Electricity Bill.

11 Reasons why your Home Electricity Bill is so High? And 9 Tips to reduce your Electricity Bill

Nowadays living life without electricity is next to unimaginable, even in small towns & villages in India. From running fans and lights to washing machines, refrigerators and computers, you need power for everything you do.

However, many homeowners at one time or the other have found themselves asking a common question over and over, “why is my electric bill so high?”

There might be several reasons behind a rise in your bill amount, which generally are not taken into account by a majority of people. Let us understand them.

It is economical to turn off the gadgets that you are currently not using to avoid unnecessary power consumption.

1. Not Turning Off Appliances and Other Gadgets When Not In Use

Sometimes you may forget to switch off your TV even when you are not watching, or even the bulbs during the day. Although it may not seem like a big thing, when this becomes a habit, it may increase your power bill. It is economical to turn off the gadgets that you are currently not using to avoid unnecessary power consumption.

No one likes to pay for something that they do not use, so why continue to pay for the electricity that you are not directly using. Devices that stay plugged in all day continue to suck energy, even if they are not in use.

If you have several family members in your house, they should all ensure that they also disconnect their gadgets like computers, phone chargers, etc. from the sockets when not in use. Unplug your devices that are not in use, otherwise, you will continue to have an unusually high electric bill.

Try to use energy efficient appliances to avoid unnecessary power consumption.

2. Not Using Energy-Efficient Appliances

Whether you are buying a new refrigerator, air purifier, TV or AC, make sure it is energy efficient. Such appliances usually come with special labels to signify the same. By paying a little more initially, you can reduce long-term energy costs.

Know the reasons behind geyser energy consumption.

3. Geyser

Your geyser is probably the most energy-consuming appliance in home. The reasons behind this could be:

  • Improper Insulation of pipe
  • the high temperature is being set at geyser
  • It is being unnecessarily on after usage
Refrigerator should be placed at adequate distance from the wall specified by manufacturer for more power efficiency.

4. Refrigerator

Among all your appliances, a refrigerator uses up a huge amount of electricity. So, it should be placed at an adequate distance from the wall specified by the manufacturer for more power efficiency. This can improve the air circulation around it. Also, exposing the refrigerator to direct sunlight can force it to consume more power.

Turning the air conditioning on while the windows are open is one of the reasons leading to high electricity bills.

5. AC is on while the windows are open

Turning the air conditioning on while the windows are open is one of the reasons leading to high electricity bills. Either keep the windows open and the AC off, or vice versa. Do not let expensive cold air go to waste. Make sure you keep your windows closed while the air conditioning is On to lower your next electric bill.

Putting a phone on charging and forgetting about it can spike your electricity bills easily.

6. Overcharging Phones

Putting a phone on charging and forgetting about it can spike your electricity bills easily. Also, overcharging can harm the phone battery. So, be cautious.

Keeping the air filters clean can lower your AC unit’s electricity use by 5 percent to 15 percent.

7. Dirty AC Filters

Whether you have central air conditioning or room air conditioners, keeping the air filters clean can lower your AC unit’s electricity use by 5 percent to 15 percent1. And since cooling your home is a big source of energy consumption, keeping your AC filters clean can help reduce your monthly electric bill costs.

If wire joints are not done properly in the case of high capacity appliances, then it can lead to energy loss causing an increase in electricity bill.

8. Improper Wire Joints

If wire joints are not done properly in the case of high capacity appliances, then it can lead to energy loss causing increase in electricity bill. Additionally, Use Lugs at Electrical system to avoid energy loss.

9. Faulty Appliances

Faulty appliances in your home not only represent a safety hazard but also they could be wasting electricity and that leads to a spike in bills.

If your appliances like washing machines, air conditioners, are faulty / damaged, they will consume more energy than normal. Inside faulty wiring can damage the appliances in the long term, lead to electrical fires or even get electrically charged, which may give you electrical shocks if you come in their direct contact. Faulty appliances in your home not only represent a safety hazard but also they could be wasting electricity and that leads to a spike in bills. And if there is any loose connection in internal wiring, then it will also lead to an increase in energy consumption.

That old refrigerator, the old Television set, or that outdated appliance may need to be serviced or changed with time.

Improper Wire Gauge can cause overheating of wires which will lead to an increase in electricity due to energy loss.

10. Improper Wire Gauge

Improper Wire Gauge can cause overheating of wires which will lead to an increase in electricity due to energy loss.

11. Defective Wiring & other electrical issues

Electrical issues can be any type of electrical leakage, damaged insulation, overheating of wires and other electrical faults.

Defective wiring is one of the reasons why your bill could be increasing. It may be causing your electricity to leak unintentionally. This is why it is important for you to maintain the electrical components of your house; this would include the fixtures, outlets, and wiring in and around your home. Other electrical issues can be any type of electrical leakage, damaged insulation, overheating of wires and other electrical faults. In that case, contact professionals who are experts in finding all electrical issues of your home / property.

9 Tips to save electricity Bill

Six general tips to save electricity bill.

1. Switch off Lights and electrical appliances when you do not use them

This is one of the easiest measures to save electricity and reduce electricity bills. Most of us know this but still do not follow the basic rule.

2. Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Use CFL or LED lights that consume less energy as compared to normally used light bulbs. They also give more light. They will cost more but will be a money saver and energy saver in the long run.

3. Use Refrigerator Wisely

A refrigerator consumes too much electricity. Follow few tips:

  • Do not overload the refrigerator.
  • Defrost your refrigerator regularly.
  • Try not to open or close the refrigerator too often to avoid energy consumption.
  • Clean and maintain Refrigerator (both inside & outside).

4. Take Care of few things while using an Air conditioner

  • Ensure proper sealing of doors and windows when operating AC.
  • Clean AC filter every month.
  • Use film / tinted glass on windows.
  • If using the AC for open area like Living Area, then ensure rooms which are not in use are closed.
  • Use the right size of AC depending on various factors.
  • Place AC in a shaded area to avoid effect of Sun rays.

5. Regarding Geyser Usage

Some tips related to usage of geyser to save your electricity:

  • Use the right size of Geyser.
  • Ensure proper insulation of the pipe.
  • Minimize temperature of Geyser.
  • Upgrade to Solar Water heater.

6. Use Sensor

Use sensors for lights in bathroom and other less used areas to avoid more energy consumption.

Shut doors to areas you are not using, and only cool or heat the rooms where you spend the most time.

7. Shut Doors and close Curtains

There are simple things you can do to reduce the costs of heating and cooling without making life uncomfortable.

  • Shut doors to areas you are not using, and only cool or heat the rooms where you spend the most time.
  • In cooler months, make sure your curtains or blinds seal your windows properly.
  • In warmer months, keep your curtains closed during the day. By keeping the sun off your windows with external shadings such as external blinds, your house will remain cooler.
Weatherizing, or sealing air leaks around your home, is a great way to reduce energy loss.

8. Proper insulation of Home

Maintain proper insulation of home by using Bright reflective paint in walls to ensure cool temperature at home. Secondly, use Sun reflective film for windows.

Also, Weatherize your home: Weatherizing, or sealing air leaks around your home, is a great way to reduce energy loss. To prevent these leaks, you should ensure that there are no cracks or openings between the wall and window/door frame.

Try to use high voltage appliance systematically to avoid high energy consumption.

9. Turning on the gadgets wisely

In many households, a common mistake that people commit is they switch on all the devices simultaneously. Try to use high voltage appliance systematically to avoid high energy consumption.

Conclusion

Well, saving an electricity bill entirely depends on your living conditions and living standards. Our objective was to make you aware of the possible reasons behind shooting up of electricity bill and also share general tips to reduce energy consumption.

If you notice that your energy bill has increased, don’t panic. Knowing the reasons and tips, you may be able to make some changes to take more control of your power bill and lower it in future months.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/maintaining-your-air-conditioner

Electrical Wiring: Light your Home with 11 Cares

1. Skilled Electrician
2. Use ISI marked Wires & Accessories
3. Proper Wire Gauge
4. Fix Switchboards at proper height
5. Never use damaged wiring
6. Wires within an electrical box
7. Importance of RCCB
8. Ensure Earthing Connection
9. Electrical layout
10. Different Circuits
11. Proper dressing of Wire and Wire Code

With so much dependence on our electrical appliances and electronics, we are bound to get frustrated and worried when the electric power in our home is cut off or other related problems.

Electrical faults are common in each and every house that may be unsafe for residents. When it is about your home you must be aware of the electrical mistakes and their effects. Because when you start living in your home and experience electric faults it may create hassles in your life.

For a homeowner, it is important that you should know about the things to be taken care of during house wiring to avoid any challenges in the future. When your electrician is doing electrical installations as part of the remodelling project of your house or during the construction of the house, you should have some amount of knowledge about the house wiring.

In case of defects in electrical wires, they can cause hazards in the house and may even take human life in some cases. So make sure you do the following to ensure good electric works for safety at home:

1. Skilled Electrician

Always ensure to hire a professional or a good electrician for all electric works including wiring of your home.

2. Use ISI marked Wires & Accessories

All materials to be used in electrical fittings should be of approved standards and from a reputed manufacturer as per ISI specifications. Non ISI marked wires could have less longevity, are less safer and non-eco-friendly as compared to ISI marked wire. Never use low-quality materials as it may cause serious accidents.

3. Proper Wire Gauge

Many times it is seen that electricians are careless while using right load bearing wires for wiring purpose and these wires get burnt when the entire load is put on wires. So, make sure that the wires being used for wiring are capable of taking the desired load. For that, electrician must calculate the total load from various items that would be used in the house. As per standards, it is advisable that the wiring gauge used for phase, neutral & earthing connection must be the same.

4. Fix Switchboards at proper height

Switchboards should be installed at a height that can be easily accessed by residents except by children. Standard height of board with installation are:

a. TV socket height 1200 mm to 1500 mm
b. Lighting switchboard height 1000 mm to 1200 mm
c. Geyser socket height 1900 mm minimum
d. AC socket height 2100 mm minimum

All heights are from Finished Floor Level. These heights can be changed as per requirement of residents e.g., in case there is physically disabled person or senior citizen.

5. Never use damaged wiring

Broken/ cut wiring, loose connection, burnt element and rusted points should never be used to avoid electrical fault. Never make use of damaged insulation wiring to avoid short circuit fault. Damaged and loose connection should not be done in any appliance to avoid earthing fault.

6. Wires within an electrical box

Wires within an electrical box should be away from the edges to avoid being damaged while nailing.

7. Importance of RCCB

While electricity has become an important component of everyone’s lives, the fact of the matter is, it comes with its dangers to human life as well as equipment. Electrocution and fire are the two significant risks correlated with electricity, one simply cannot be careless when it comes to safeguarding equipment.

A Residual Current Circuit Breaker1 (RCCB) is a safety device that provides protection even from a small leakage current generated by human touch or insulation failure of wire, also can be referred a Minimal shock protection device. Read to know: Why RCCB is a must?

8. Ensure Earthing Connection

It is important to provide proper earthing to the wiring as it saves human life from the danger of electric shock or death. There are two earthing – Ground earthing and earthing by electrical supply. So make sure both earthing is provided.

And it is also important to provide earthing at electrical outlets for High wattage appliances like geyser, AC etc Provide earthing to enhance voltage and protect human beings from sudden electric shock.

9. Electrical layout

It is important to follow the electrical layout for location and height at which provision to be given for fitting/ installation. But electrician has to wisely see if there is a safety concern involved, in that case, specification can be changed. To understand more, read Switchboard near gas stove – safety hazard.

10. Different Circuits

The power circuit and lighting circuit should be different. This will be helpful for convenience in repair or maintenance during a fault in a power circuit or vice versa.

11. Proper Dressing of Wire and Wire Code

Improper dressing of wire can lead to overheating & current loss. It can also create inconvenience during repair or maintenance. Wire colour code is important for identifying the phase, earthing and neutral connection. It provides safety2 and ease during repair & maintenance. Also, ensure proper wire joints for longevity.

Conclusion

Electricity has made our lives more comfortable and easy in so many ways – but that does not mean it comes without its risks. Electrical wires are the basic unit of every electrical system. Most of the electrical failures are caused due to failure of electrical wires. People often ignore their significance. Our objective behind writing this content was to make you aware of things to be taken care of during home electrical wiring. And if you are facing any problem with your home electrical system, then contact professionals to ensure safety at home.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.bijlibachao.com/general-tips/why-is-rccb-necessary-for-your-house-rcd-electric-shock-residual-current-detectors-rccb-circuit-breaker.html
2. https://community.fs.com/blog/necessity-and-standards-of-electrical-wiring-color-codes.html

Home Electricals System – Some Basic Questions Answered

As a home owner, one should know the basic parameters of the electrical system of the home one lives in.

Electrical system is a huge system divided into generation, transmission and distribution system, all the parts being taken care off by respective departments. The wiring inside a house can be a complicated matter for the owner but some basic things are easy to be kept in mind by the owner. Firstly in a home the standard voltage is 220V.

Here are answers to some of the basic home electrical system questions:

Q-1. Should a home have a DB and what are the components inside the DB?

Ans. Every home must have a DB. A DB stands for Distribution Box. DB is a component of an electricity supply system that divides electrical power and feeds into subsidiary circuits, with protective circuit breaker for each circuit in a common enclosure. One must ensure that each DB is with MCB for each circuit and also RCCB is installed. Once you are assured that DB with accessories are present then get it inspected for proper amperage, operation, safety and even load distribution.

Q-2.Why RCCB is a must?

Ans. RCCB stands for Residual Current Circuit Breaker which has been designed to protect a circuit from leakage fault. RCCB is a must because it provides protection even from a small leakage current generated by human touch or insulation failure of wire. MCB does not provide this level of protection. So the home owner / seller / buyer must ensure that RCCB has been installed at the home.

Q-3. What is electrical wire colour code and why is it important?

Ans. One must have got confused at some time on the sight of different colour wires in electrical wiring. Questions arise for the different colours of wires such as why different colours and why not same colour? For your information the wire colours used, are based on the Electrical colour code for wires which defers from country to country. In India for a single phase (220V) electrical wiring, the code followed is RGB i.e. Red colour wire for Phase, Green colour wire for earthing and Black colour wire for neutral connection. In case of three phase, two more colours are followed – Blue and Yellow, in which case, Red, Blue and Yellow coloured wired are used for phase connection, Green for Earthing and Black for neutral. So now you know which colour wire stands for phase, neutral and earthing in your wiring system.

Q-4. Earthing connection provided at which of the three-pin socket points?

Ans. The first thing that comes to mind is that at which terminal / hole in a 3 pin socket is the earthing terminal? Generally Earthing terminals are of a higher diameter. Hence checks to be done for earthing connection, which is a must as it protects against the leakage current causing shocks.