As your power bill continually rises, it’s more important than ever to find the best prices for energy. Like with any other purchase, the way to get the best deal is to shop around. Fortunately, since Ohio is a deregulated energy state, there are several ways to compare energy costs for your home.
Compare Energy Costs from Different Providers
First, look at your energy bill. It should have two types of charges: supply rate and delivery rate. The delivery rate is fixed, as it comes directly from the utility company. However, you can compare energy costs for the supply rate to see which company can provide the power you need for the best price.
The price you pay depends on the type of plan you choose. A fixed-rate plan charges the same amount per kilowatt hour for a set amount of time, regardless of external factors. A variable-rate plan changes day to day based on the current energy market. If you can lock in a good price during the offseason, a fixed-rate contract is the way to go. However, if you’re switching at the height of summer, consider a variable-rate plan. You’ll pay more now but less later on.
Compare Energy Costs from Different Energy Sources
Provider prices aren’t the only place to compare energy costs. Consider the cost of electricity vs. natural gas. On average, gas is two or three times lower than electricity, making a gas furnace a good investment in the winter. On the other hand, a heat pump, even though it’s supplemented with electricity, may still save you money. Talk to your HVAC provider to see what you can expect to spend per year on a heat pump.
You can do this with other appliances too. Compare the amount of energy they consume and find the models that use the least power while still providing comfort and functionality. A great clue to this is the blue Energy Star logo on the package.
To learn more about how to compare energy costs, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services. We help Dayton homes get the most comfort for the best savings.
