How Your Utility Habits Compare to Other Americans

If your utility bill feels noticeably higher lately, you're definitely not alone.

A new study from Power Wizard found that nearly half of Americans say their monthly utility costs are higher than they were a year ago, with many reporting increases of more than $50 per month.

Personally, I have CenterPoint Energy for both gas and electric, and even using budget billing, my utility costs have climbed roughly 77% over the last two to three years. What makes it even more frustrating is the fact that I'm actively trying to use less electricity now because of rising costs.

I keep my thermostat set to 76 degrees during summer because I just can't justify blasting the AC non-stop when rates continue to rise. And apparently, I'm not alone in thinking more about that balance between comfort and cost savings.

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Americans Are Split Between Comfort and Lower Bills

According to the survey of 2,260 Americans, 55% say they actively try to reduce their utility usage even when it's inconvenient. The other 45% say they would rather stay comfortable, even if it means paying more each month.

That divide becomes especially noticeable when looking at thermostat habits.

About 30% of Americans surveyed said they keep their thermostat set at 68 degrees or lower during the summer, including 1 in 10 who cool their homes to 66 degrees or below.

Meanwhile, during the winter, about 1 in 10 Americans said they keep their heat set at 75 degrees or higher.

Depending on where you live, those settings can make a serious dent in your monthly budget over time.

Americans are Using More Electricity Than They Realize

One of the more interesting takeaways from the survey is how much electricity gets used passively in the background.

Researchers found the average household leaves the TV on for roughly three hours a day when no one is actively watching it. Over the course of a year, that adds up to more than 1,000 hours of background usage.

The survey also found that most households have several devices that remain constantly powered on, even when nobody is using them. Chargers appear to be another major culprit, with 65% of Americans admitting they regularly leave chargers plugged in when they are not charging anything.

Those habits may seem small individually, but together they contribute to the slow, constant energy drain many households never really think about.

Rising Rates Are Driving Much of the Frustration

For many Americans, the biggest issue is not necessarily using more electricity. It's paying more for the same usage.

Among survey respondents who reported higher utility bills, 71% blamed rising electricity rates rather than changes in weather or household behavior.

That certainly seems to track with what a lot of people are experiencing right now. Even households actively trying to conserve energy still feel like they are getting slammed by higher monthly costs.

Personally, I've found myself thinking about utility usage far more than I did a few years ago. Things like adjusting the thermostat, being more mindful about lights, delaying laundry until I have a full load, and trying not to overuse appliances have become regular thought processes instead of occasional considerations.

Small Habit Changes Can Still Help

The survey highlights a few habits that can help reduce energy usage without making daily life miserable.

Simple adjustments like nudging the thermostat up a couple degrees in the summer, unplugging idle chargers, avoiding half-full dishwasher or laundry loads, and being more aware of "always-on" electronics can collectively make a difference over time.

Will those changes completely offset rising energy rates? Probably not, but for many households, even shaving a little off the monthly bill feels worthwhile right now.

And if you're like me, you may be asking yourself the same question: Are we setting the thermostat for comfort or survival?