Most people only pay attention to their electricity consumption when tracking the cost of their power bill. While this is an important factor in the cost of your monthly bill, other electrical issues can cause your bill to rise without you even realizing it.

This article explores these issues and how you can spot them before they cost you money.

Poorly Wired Outlets 

A common reason for expensive energy bills is inadequately wired outlets, which is often a severe electrical hazard. This might include outlets with loose connections or those that aren't properly grounded. Loose connections are dangerous because they can cause sparks and fires, while outlets that aren't grounded won't protect your appliances from unexpected surges.

These types of issues can put an unnecessary strain on your home's electrical system, resulting in increased energy usage. Most of the energy will be lost in the form of heat, which is why your bill might be higher than usual.

To check for this issue, inspect your outlets and ensure there are no loose connections or exposed wires. If you're not sure what to look for, have a professional electrician come take a look. They'll even inspect the ground connection to make sure it meets the code.

Outdated Appliances

Older appliances use more energy than newer models, partly due to their outdated components and inefficient design. These appliances are often more susceptible to power surges as well, which can make your utility bills skyrocket. In some cases, they can cause undue strain on the rest of your home's electrical system, resulting in serious issues such as short-circuiting.

To save money on your power bill, consider replacing any outdated appliances with modern versions that are designed to be more energy efficient. 

Incorrect Lighting Fixtures

Incorrect lighting fixtures tend to draw more electricity than necessary, resulting in increased energy usage and higher energy costs over time. These fixtures may have bulbs that are too bright for the space or outdated components that draw more energy than necessary.

To spot this problem, check all your light fixtures and make sure that the bulbs are appropriate for the space. If they're too bright, opt for dimmer bulbs that use less energy.

Also, ensure that all of your home's light fixtures are designed for maximum efficiency — such as LED bulbs or CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps).

Additionally, if certain areas of your home remain dark even when lights are on, consider installing motion sensor lights so that they only turn on when someone enters the room — saving you money on electricity. A qualified electrician can help with this task if you're unsure of how to do it yourself. 

Speak to a residential electric contractor to learn more.