Why Your Utility Bill Spiked (And What Your Appliances Have to Do With It)

It’s the end of the month and your utility bill arrives—much higher than expected. You haven’t changed your routine, so what gives?

Often, the answer lies in your appliances. Faulty, aging, or inefficient units can silently add hundreds of dollars a year to your power consumption. Here’s how to identify the culprits and what to do next.

1. The Energy Vampires: Old Refrigerators and Freezers

Appliances manufactured before 2010 are significantly less energy-efficient. A second fridge in the garage might seem like a convenience, but it could be costing you $100+ a year in extra electricity.

Fix: Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR® model, or schedule a professional energy audit.

2. Dryers That Take Too Long to Dry

If your dryer is taking multiple cycles to dry a single load, it’s not just annoying—it’s expensive. The culprit might be a clogged lint trap or exhaust duct.

Fix: Clean out the lint trap after every use and have the vents professionally cleared at least once a year.

3. Dishwashers and Washers with Hidden Leaks

Small leaks can cause your water heater to work overtime. A leaking valve or cracked hose can result in thousands of litres of wasted water.

Fix: Look for pooling water around the base of your machine or unexplained dampness. Call a technician to inspect for slow leaks.

4. Constantly Running Furnaces or Air Conditioners

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the HVAC system—it’s the thermostat or faulty sensors in your appliances. A fridge that can’t maintain temperature will force your A/C to work harder to cool the space.

Fix: Ensure proper appliance spacing and ventilation, and get older fridges inspected.

5. Phantom Loads and Appliance Settings

Some appliances draw power even when they’re not in use—especially ones with digital clocks or standby modes.

Fix: Use smart power strips or unplug rarely used appliances. Always enable energy-saving modes where available.

Get Your Bill (and Energy Use) Under Control

At Apex Appliances, we help homeowners in Kelowna cut down on unnecessary energy waste by repairing or replacing inefficient appliances. Schedule a service call and let our experienced techs pinpoint the problem before your next bill spikes.