My electric bill doubled last month and I don't know why
My electric bill is usually around $100/month but last month it was $210. I didn't change my habits. I keep the thermostat at 72, I don't run the AC much, I turned off lights. I live alone in a 1-bedroom apartment. I called my utility company and they said my usage was normal. What could be causing this?
1 Answer(s)
This is one of the most frustrating problems because it feels invisible. Here are the most common hidden causes:
1. **Old or dirty HVAC filter**. This is the #1 culprit people miss. A clogged filter makes your AC/heater work 2-3x harder. Replace it ($10-15) and you could save $30-50/month immediately.
2. **Phantom power draw**. Devices on standby still use electricity. Your TV, gaming console, microwave clock, chargers—they all add up. Use a Kill-A-Watt meter ($25 on Amazon) to find the worst offenders. Unplug them or use a power strip.
3. Water heater. If yours is electric and old, it might be working overtime. Check the temperature—it should be 120°F, not 140°F.
4. Billing cycle change. Sometimes the meter reading period changes, making it look like a spike when it's just timing.
5. Aging appliances. If your fridge is 10+ years old, it could be using 2x the electricity of a new one.
Buy a Kill-A-Watt meter this weekend. It pays for itself in the first month.