Why Are Your Electric Bills So High? Understanding the Reasons

When temperatures drop, many households notice a sharp rise in electricity costs. Winter weather brings added heating needs, longer indoor hours, and higher energy consumption overall. For many homeowners in the Chicago suburbs and similar areas, this means high utility bills. This happens just when other seasonal costs, like holidays, also increase.

The good news? There are simple and effective ways to lower your electricity rates, cut back on energy waste, and save money on your electricity bill — all while staying warm and comfortable. Let’s explore what causes your winter bill to spike and what steps you can take to keep both energy and money under control.

Winter months often lead to higher energy use because we rely more on heating systems, lighting, and hot water. Plus, since days are shorter, we use more artificial light and spend more time indoors using appliances, electronics, and entertainment systems.

In fact, there may be more than one reason, and identifying it before the colder temperatures isn’t so easy. Even small inefficiencies in your home can add up quickly. So, if you haven’t done this earlier, now is the time to conduct an inspection. At the same time, it helps you plan your to-do list for the future. Without proper care, your home can become a money pit. Here are the top reasons for high energy consumption during the colder months.

Electric Heater Usage

• Heating systems often use the most electricity during winter. If your system runs constantly or is set too high, it consumes more energy, especially during peak times when electricity rates rise.
• Recommendation: Set your thermostat to 68°F instead of 72°F or higher. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature at night or when you're not home. This small change can help you save money on your electricity bill while keeping your home comfortable.

Poor Insulation or Drafts

• Drafty windows, doors, or poor insulation can cause that homes lose heat, forcing your heater to run longer. This not only wastes energy but makes your space less comfy too.
• Recommendation: Seal doors and windows with caulk or weather stripping. Add insulation in walls, attics, and basements. Use thermal curtains to retain warmth.

Inefficient HVAC System or Heater

• Older or malfunctioning heating systems may consume more electricity to maintain the temperature.
• Recommendation: Have the heater or HVAC system inspected and serviced. Replace filters regularly to ensure efficiency. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient models if possible.

Unnoticed Energy Drains

• Devices left plugged in — chargers, TVs, gaming consoles — consume power even when off.
• Recommendation: Use smart plugs or power strips to cut power completely when devices are not in use. Identify high-drain items using a wattage meter.

Electric Water Heater

• Heating water with electricity can be expensive, especially with frequent use for showers, laundry, or dishwashing.
• Recommendation: Lower the water heater temperature to 120°F. Insulate the tank and use cold water for washing clothes when possible.

Old or Inefficient Appliances

• Old fridges, dishwashers, washing machines or dryers can draw much more power than newer models.
• Recommendation: Upgrade to Energy Star-rated appliances. While there’s an upfront cost, the long-term energy savings help you save money on your electricity bill.

Space Heaters and High Use Areas

• While convenient, space heaters are energy-intensive. Using several of them can spike your bill.
• Recommendation: Use space heaters only when necessary and only in occupied rooms. Try heated blankets or layers of warm clothing to reduce heating needs.

Inefficient Lighting Choices

• Using outdated light bulbs like incandescent ones leads to more energy use and frequent replacements.
• Recommendation: Switch to LED bulbs, which last up to 25 times longer and consume far less energy. Replacing all bulbs in your home with LEDs can lead to noticeable savings.

Local Weather Conditions

• Harsh winters in Chicago and its suburbs can lead to increased heating needs, especially in poorly insulated homes.
• Recommendation: If only we could convince winter to take a break! But what can you do? You can invest in thermal curtains and draft stoppers to retain heat instead.

Shared Metering Issues

• In some cases, electricity meters may be shared between units without the tenant’s knowledge.
• Recommendation: Verify with the landlord or utility company that the meter is exclusive to your unit.

Besides fixing energy drains, changing habits can help. Here are easy ways to save more:

• Energy Audit: Hire a professional or use a DIY kit to check for inefficiencies. This helps identify where energy is being wasted
• Smart Thermostats: Automate heating schedules to optimize comfort and cost.
• Avoid Peak Times: Many energy providers charge more during high-demand hours. Shift heavy appliance use to off-peak times.
• Optimize Heating Habits: Wear warmer clothing indoors and use blankets to reduce reliance on heaters.
• Smart Meters: Track usage in real-time to see when you use the most electricity and adjust.
• Check for Leaks: Inspect for air leaks around windows, doors, and vents.
• LED Holiday Lights: If you decorate, use LED string lights. They consume far less power than traditional options.

Maintaining your home can feel overwhelming. From checking insulation to replacing filters, small tasks often get delayed — leading to higher energy consumption and costly repairs later.

With FixHome+, you can simplify this process. A scheduled handyman visit ensures that your home stays in top shape, saving you energy and money throughout the year. The FixHome+ app helps track tasks your to-do list, schedule maintenance, and manage repairs — all from your phone.

You won’t need to worry about forgotten check-ups or minor issues becoming major ones. Stay ahead with FixHome+ subscription and enjoy peace of mind while reducing costs.

Lowering electricity costs doesn’t require big investments. By taking small, smart steps and improving your home’s efficiency, you can manage your energy consumption and keep your bills under control. From switching light bulbs to insulating windows, each action adds up.