If you're wondering "why my electricity bill is so high," this article is for you. Here you will find 10 effective tips proven by experience, research, and surveys.

1. Understand what you are paying for in your electricity bills

First of all, it is necessary to know what you are paying for. This will help you determine what may have contributed to your energy costs.

You pay for the following things in your electricity bills

electricity generation (39%)
Materials, such as wires and poles (44%)
Environmental impacts (7%)
Utility administration and marketing expenses (10%).

The above percentages show that poles and wires are the highest cost we all pay for electricity. But this price component is crucial because pole and wire maintenance is not inexpensive at all.

2. Break down your energy use

On average, Australians use 40% of their home energy for heating and cooling, including gas. Here's the breakdown.

Backup power (3%)
Cooking (5%)
Use of lights (7%)
Refrigerators and freezers (8%)
Entertainment devices, such as televisions and game consoles (14%)
Water heaters (23%)
Air conditioning and heating (40%)

Once you know which appliances use the most energy, you can now keep track of how you use them throughout the day to reduce the cost.

3. That your home is adequately insulated

You can also install insulation, which allows heat to flow freely through the house. This means your home will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Insulation is quite tricky, however, as there are several options to choose from. It would help if you worked with a professional to help you plan the process.

4. Close Your Doors and Windows

When your air conditioner is running, make sure the air inside the room does not leak, so you should close windows and doors.

You can get additional benefits if you have curtains, blinds, or shades.

5. Evaluate the lighting and appliances you use

Your appliances and lighting are the main reasons for your high energy bill. Use energy-efficient appliances that are appropriate for your home and your needs and their estimated operating costs.

To reduce lighting costs, it is always a smart idea to take advantage of natural light as much as possible. In addition, using compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is wise, as both types of lamps are energy efficient.

6. Maintain your appliances regularly

Faulty appliances use more electricity than perfectly functioning ones. Obviously, when one or more parts are not working properly, the appliance tends to work harder, use more energy, and consume more electricity. It is, therefore, necessary to perform regular maintenance on your electrical appliances.

7. Be Smart in Washing Your Clothes

Washing clothes in cold water can help you reduce your electricity bills. Nevertheless, if you want to wash in warm or hot water, use a solar water heater. However, this means that your machine must have a hot water connection. It may be worth the investment if you like to wash at higher temperatures. Also, don't use the dryer, but hang your clothes to air dry.

It's always a good idea to do full loads, as your washing machine uses the same energy when doing partial loads.

8. Unplug everything from the wall socket

Leaving electrical appliances plugged in even when not in use is not a good practice,. If you want to save energy, make sure you properly turn off your appliances after use.

9. Set the thermostat

Programmable thermostats reduce energy consumption. Maintain the temperature between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius in winter. This will save you an additional 10% of energy.

10. Be smart about landscaping

Having trees, vines, or shrubs in the right place in your home can provide shade and act as a windbreak. Compared to other households without trees, you can save up to 25%.

If you want to reduce your electricity bill, follow these 10 tips. Most of the steps are free or inexpensive, while others require a bit of an investment, such as buying new, more energy-efficient appliances.