That Black Friday Deal Could Change Your Electric Bill

During this time of year, many people are thinking about buying larger ticketed items for their homes. Maybe you’ve had your eye on that new outdoor hot tub, and now it’s on sale and within budget. It’s a great time to buy, but here’s what you should know first.

Big Appliances Can Mean Bigger Loads

A new appliance can add to your home’s electrical load, and that can show up on your monthly utility bill. Here are three common ways it happens:

Switching from gas to electric. Converting gas appliances to electric increases electricity usage. And if you have existing solar, it may not be designed to cover this new load. This could result in higher electric bills.
Adding, not replacing. An air conditioning unit, a standalone ice maker, or an EV you plan to charge at home increases your overall energy consumption.
Upgrading to a larger version. A bigger appliance often uses more energy than the one it replaces, depending on its efficiency and how you use it.

If you’re planning to purchase or upgrade to similar or larger items, now is the time to think about how to offset the change. It’s much easier to plan for new loads before the appliance arrives than after the first surprise bill.

Whether you’re adding panels to your existing system or exploring solar for the first time, a quick conversation with our team can show you how to offset the new load and keep your electric bills in check.