If your monthly energy bills have begun to spiral out of control, then it is time to start searching for inefficiencies around your house. Here is a look at some of the most common reasons that utility bills will skyrocket and what you can do to stop it.

1. Vampire Electronics

Families are often surprised to hear that vampire electronics could be costing them hundreds of dollars a year. This phrase is used to describe gadgets that consume a small amount of energy when they are plugged in but not being used. Connecting smaller devices to a power strip and then unplugging that single strip before heading to bed or leaving the house is a great way to solve this problem.

2. You Are Misusing Appliances

Appliances are an integral part of our life, but it is important that they are used correctly in order to avoid wasted energy. Two of the worst offenders are dishwashers and washing machines. Families should only run the dishwasher when it is completely full and keep it on the coldest settings whenever possible. The same can be said for washing machines that are often used to clean just a handful of clothes instead of being filled to the brim.

3. The Thermostat Is Set Incorrectly

Setting your thermostat just a few degrees in the wrong direction or leaving it on when no one is home can cost you thousands of dollars per year. The first thing that a family should do is invest in a smart or programmable thermostat to have more control over their home’s temperature. When a family is home and awake, the thermostat should be set at 78°F during the summer and 68°F during the winter.

4. Your HVAC System Needs Servicing

A home’s HVAC system is almost always the biggest energy hog, and these systems consume even more energy when they have not been recently serviced. Biannual service calls to Avery Heating & Air Conditioning or an HVAC provider near you will allow a technician to check for any damaged parts, change filters, lube moving parts, fill the coolants, check the accuracy of the thermostat, and give you an idea of when the system will need to be replaced.

Fixing just these four problems around your house could save you thousands of dollars on your energy bills every single year. In addition to saving some money, your family will also be reducing their carbon footprint and helping to protect the local and global environment.