Haunted by High Energy Bills?

Haunted by High Energy Bills? How to Unmask the Energy Demons in Your Home

Welcome to October! It’s the time of year for crisp autumn air, cozy sweaters, and all things spooky. But there’s one thing that shouldn’t be scary, and that’s opening your utility bill!

Since October is Energy Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to do some ghost-hunting in your own home for the "energy demons" that secretly drain your power and drive up your costs.

Here’s a quick guide to tackling the biggest culprits, and how you can get the ultimate treat: making your own power with the sun.

First Up: Slay the Energy Vampires 🧛‍♂️

One of the most common and sneakiest energy sucker is the "Energy Vampire," also known as a "Phantom Load." Unlike regular vampires, Energy Vampires don't die in the sun, and garlic isn't the answer either. These Energy Vampires suck electricity 24/7 even when they are turned off, and are made up of appliances and electronics. According to the Department of Energy, these Energy Vampires can account for 10% of your electricity costs.

But don't worry, here's how to slay them:

Unplug them when they're not in use. Even if they are turned off, they can still draw power.
Use a smart power strip that automatically cuts power to devices when they are in standby mode.
Swap out any old appliances for energy-efficient ones. Visit Focus on Energy for rebate information.

Next: Remedy those Gohstly Drafts🥶

Do you get a chill when you walk by a door or sit next to a window? Don't worry, those aren't ghosts, they're drafts! Did you know that heating and cooling can account for nearly half of your utility bill? Sealing up those leaky windows, doors, and adding insulation to your attic can go a long way!

Here are some tips for sealing your crypt:

Add weatherstripping to your doors. If you can see daylight around your exterior door frames, that's a sure sign that you have some gaps for cold or hot air to slip through. Use rubber or foam weatherstripping to create an airtight seal.
Check your windows for drafts. Over time, window seals can weather and crack, allowing air to move in or out. By using a simple tube of caulk to fill those gaps, you can stop drafts in their tracks!
Insulate your attic. Sometimes the spookiest room in the house is the attic, and a poorly insulated attic is the scariest place of all! Adding insulation to your attic is a great way to keep warm and cool air in.

The Ultimate Treat (No Tricks)

While slaying vampires and sealing drafts are fantastic ways to save, they are defensive moves in a game you can't fully control.

The TRICK? Unpredictable utility rates that seem to go up every year, playing games with your budget.

The TREAT? Going SOLAR with NORTHWIND! Never get spooked by your utility bill again. When you go solar, you are owning your energy; you no longer are held to rate hikes by utilities because you are generating your own power. You can lock in your energy costs for decades, drastically reducing your frightful electricity bill.