Are you frustrated by high utility bills? You're not alone. Rising energy costs are becoming a monthly source of stress for many California homeowners.

While some factors like frequent  utility rate increases from utility companies such as SCE and PG&E  are outside of your control, there are practical and effective ways to reduce your energy usage and lower those monthly bills. Whether you're dealing with seasonal temperature changes, working from home, or running a busy household, small adjustments can make a big impact. 

In this guide, we’ll help you understand why your bills might be on the high side and share some straightforward solutions you can implement today. There are quick fixes and smart investments that will make your home more energy efficient while keeping your family comfortable.

What's Behind Your Rising Energy Costs?

Understanding what’s driving up your monthly energy bills is the first step to lowering them. From outdated appliances to hidden power drains around your home, there are often simple solutions to reduce your monthly costs. Here are six key areas that could be impacting your monthly bills, along with practical solutions to help you start saving today:

1) Changing Temperatures

Seasonal temperatures affect more than just your comfort—they can significantly impact your monthly bills. Even if you live in a mild climate area like San Diego, slight temperature shifts usually lead to increased energy usage. Think about those chilly mornings when you crank up the heat in the winter or hot afternoons when you rely on air conditioning to stay comfortable. 

Winter months bring additional energy demands beyond just heating. Shorter days mean more artificial lighting, while colder temperatures lead to longer, hotter showers. In fact, water heating alone accounts for about 18% of your home's energy consumption.

Why your bills change with the seasons:

• Shorter days need more artificial light
• More time indoors means more TV, computer, and device usage
• Chilly nights and hot afternoons require heavy HVAC use
• Cold weather often means longer hot showers and more hot water usage

Simple ways to save:

• Seal up drafty windows and doors
• Consider a smart thermostat to adjust temperatures automatically
• Replace old HVAC units with an energy-efficient heat pump
• Close doors to keep heat in rooms
• Limit your long hot showers

2) Home Insulation

Your home’s insulation and seals are the first defense against outside temperatures. Insulation helps keep the inside temperature of a home consistent, whether that’s hot air in on a cold day or cool air in on a hot day. According to the EPA, proper insulation can save you around 15% on your heating and cooling costs.  

Unfortunately, many homes lose significant energy through poor insulation and air leaks; windows alone account for about 45% of your home's heat loss and gain. If your insulation is old or damaged, your home will have difficulty keeping the inside temperatures consistent. This means your air conditioners and heaters must use more energy to keep you comfortable.

Things to watch for:

• Cold drafts near windows and doors
• Rooms that feel colder or warmer than others
• Visible gaps around windows, doors, or vents

Simple ways to save:

• Add weatherstripping around doors and windows
• Seal gaps and add insulation
• Consider an energy audit

3) Hidden Power Drains

Did you know your devices and appliances might be running up your electric bill even when "turned off"? Think of all the little lights that are always glowing in your house. From fridges, ovens, microwaves, TVs, lamps, or anything else plugged in, they could silently cost you money each month. This sneaky power drain, known as standby power, happens when devices are plugged in but not in use, and it can cost Americans up to $100 each year.

Another thing to consider is your lighting. Simple actions like turning off lights in empty rooms add up to real savings over time. If you’re still using traditional incandescent or compact fluorescent light bulbs, it’s time to switch to LED bulbs, which use almost 90% less energy.

Where to look for power drains:

• TVs and entertainment systems
• Kitchen appliances like coffee makers and blenders
• Computers and chargers
• Light fixtures and lamps

Simple ways to save:

• Create a nightly "power down" routine
• Get power strips with on/off switches for easy control
• Unplug appliances you don't use every day
• Look for ENERGY STAR® certified products when replacing electronics
• Switch to LED bulbs

4) Dated Appliances

If your appliances have been with you for a while, they might be quietly driving up your energy bills. Home appliances can be expensive and it is normal to want to keep your fridge and washing machine running as long as possible, but older appliances are much more inefficient than their modern versions. What seems cost-effective may actually be costing you more in the long run. Modern home appliances are designed to be more energy-efficient and often have energy-efficient settings or cycles. The good news is that upgrading doesn't have to break the bank. California homeowners can now access government rebates that can save them thousands of dollars on energy-efficient heat pumps which can reduce electricity usage by up to 75%.

Appliances to keep an eye on:

• Refrigerators and freezers
• Washers and dryers
• Dishwashers
• Water heaters
• HVAC systems

Smart ways to save:

• Check the age and efficiency ratings of your major appliances
• Use energy-efficient settings on your current appliances
• Consider upgrading your oldest appliances first

5) HVAC Maintenance

Your heating and cooling system works hard to keep your home comfortable all year round and it needs regular upkeep to run efficiently. If your system has gone too long without being properly serviced, it’s probably working harder than it needs to, leading to high energy bills. Clogged filters, worn parts, and rusty pieces make your HVAC unit inefficient and use more energy than needed to maintain comfortable temperatures in your home. Simple maintenance, like changing filters and getting regular servicing, will help it run smoothly and efficiently.

Signs your system might need attention:

• Your home takes longer to heat up or cool down
• You notice higher energy bills than usual
• More dust buildup than usual

Simple ways to keep your HVAC running efficiently:

• Change filters every 3-6 months
• Schedule maintenance before peak seasons

6) Peak Energy Hours

Think of electricity demand like waves–it rises and falls throughout the day. When demand increases, energy prices increase. These peak hours can have a big impact on your monthly bills, especially if you're working from home or running a busy household. The timing of these peak hours changes with the seasons, and your utility company may offer different rate plans with varying high-cost periods. Comparing rate plans and choosing one that matches your energy usage patterns can be an easy way to reduce your monthly bill. 

During hot summer days, prices typically climb in the afternoon when air conditioners are working overtime to cool homes. In winter, you might see price spikes in the morning as heating systems kick in to warm up chilly houses. Your specific peak hours depend on where you live, which utility company serves your area, and what rate plan you are on. The good news is that making small adjustments to when you use electricity can add up to real savings on your monthly bill–without changing how much energy you actually use.

Things to be aware of:

• Higher rates during summer afternoons
• Morning price increases in winter
• Peak hours on weekends
• Holiday rate changes

Easy ways to save:

• Use delay settings on appliances to run overnight 
• Take advantage of natural light during the day
• Run laundry and the dishwasher before you go to bed
• If you have an EV, charge it overnight

Consider Solar + Battery Backup