Does Getting Rid of Dirty Electricity Reduce Your Bill?

What is dirty electricity? 

If you’re wondering, ‘what is dirty electricity?’ We have you covered! Dirty electricity, also known as electrical noise or electromagnetic interference (EMI). Dirty electricity refers to unwanted spikes, surges, and fluctuations in your electrical system that disrupt the normal flow of power.  

These irregularities can interfere with how appliances and devices work, potentially causing malfunctions, increased energy waste, and even health concerns due to electromagnetic exposure. 

Common characteristics of dirty electricity include sudden voltage surges or sags, high-frequency electromagnetic radiation and excess heat in electrical circuits. Dirty electricity can be costly because it reduces the efficiency of appliances, shortens their lifespan, and may lead to higher energy bills. 

What is dirty electricity in your home and what causes it? 

There are many causes of dirty electricity that can occur in your home. From power surges, to hums in your most common appliances, dirty electricity can be found almost everywhere. Here are some of the most common causes of dirty electricity:

LED Light Bulbs with Poorly Designed Transformers 

One of the most common examples of dirty electricity in your home is LED light bulbs with poor transformers. Many energy-efficient LED bulbs contain low-quality transformers that rapidly switch electricity on and off to regulate power. This process creates high-frequency electrical noise (dirty electricity) that contaminates the wiring in your home. 

If not fixed, your home will experience increased EMI (electromagnetic interference), which can cause flickering lights, radio/TV interference, and even disrupted Wi-Fi signals. 

Variable-Speed HVAC Systems and Motors 

Modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units, along with motor-driven appliances (like refrigerators and washing machines), use variable-speed motors to improve efficiency. These motors constantly adjust power levels, creating fluctuations in the electrical flow and over time they can create dirty electricity as these appliances age. 

If not fixed, your HVAC system may consume more energy, leading to higher electricity bills and increased wear on electrical components, shortening their lifespan. 

Smart Meters 

Many utility companies install smart meters to monitor electricity usage, but these devices emit high-frequency pulses to communicate with the grid. The pulses can disrupt the normal 60 Hz electrical current, increasing EMI in your home. 

If not fixed, humans can experience symptoms of electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) such as headaches and sleep disturbances, while appliances may suffer from reduced efficiency and lifespan. 

Dimmer Switches that Chop Electrical Signals 

Dimmer switches work by rapidly switching power on and off rather than simply lowering voltage. This process generates dirty electricity in the form of high-frequency noise, which spreads throughout your home’s wiring. If not fixed, you may experience flickering lights, buzzing sounds, and interference with other electronic devices, especially radios and Wi-Fi. 

Switching Power Supplies Used in Chargers and Computers 

Many modern chargers (for phones, laptops, and other electronics) use switching power supplies that convert AC power into low-voltage DC power. This conversion process creates electrical noise that contaminates home wiring. If not fixed, the constant presence of dirty electricity can affect the performance of other electronics, lead to overheating in circuits, and potentially increase fire risks. 

Old or Unshielded Wiring  

Older homes often have unshielded or degraded wiring, making them more susceptible to absorbing and spreading electromagnetic interference and dirty electricity. Modern appliances that generate EMI will worsen the issue if the home’s wiring isn’t up to date. 

If not fixed, dirty electricity will spread throughout your house, potentially causing device malfunctions, inconsistent power supply, and even electrical fires due to overheating. 

Faulty Circuit Breakers  

A damaged or outdated circuit breaker that fails to properly regulate the electrical current, allowing fluctuations and power surges to occur can cause dirty electricity. Faulty breakers can’t effectively stop high-frequency electrical disturbances from affecting appliances. 

Unchecked dirty electricity will stress your appliances, leading to frequent repairs or replacements, and in extreme cases, it could contribute to electrical hazards. 

Can dirty electricity cause serious electrical problems in your home? 

Yes, dirty electricity can cause significant electrical issues, impacting both home safety and appliance performance. Here’s how: 

Increased Wear and Tear on Appliances: When appliances receive inconsistent or fluctuating power, they have to work harder to maintain normal operation increasing energy use. Over time, this leads to premature wear and damage, shortening the lifespan of expensive devices like refrigerators, HVAC systems, and televisions. 

Overheating of Electrical Circuits, Leading to Fire Hazards: Voltage spikes and surges caused by dirty electricity generate excess heat in wiring and electrical panels. This heat can deteriorate insulation on wires over time, increasing the risk of short circuits and electrical fires. Homes with older or unshielded wiring are especially vulnerable to this issue. 

 Frequent Tripping of Circuit Breakers: Circuit breakers are designed to cut off power when they detect unsafe electrical conditions. Dirty electricity creates erratic power flow, making breakers trip more often—even when there’s no real danger. If not addressed, homeowners may face repeated power disruptions and expensive electrical repairs. 

Malfunctions in Smart Home Devices and Electronics: Devices like Wi-Fi routers, smart thermostats, and security cameras rely on clean, stable electricity to function properly. Dirty electricity interferes with their signals, causing glitches, connectivity issues, unreliable performance in computers and televisions and reduced battery life. 

Does getting rid of dirty electricity reduce your bill? 

Yes, getting rid of dirty electricity can reduce your bill. Mitigating dirty electricity in your home can lead to potential savings down the road. Here’s how getting rid of dirty electricity can reduce your bill: 

It Prevents Wasted Energy from Power Surges 

Dirty electricity creates voltage spikes and fluctuations, which can cause appliances to draw more power than needed to compensate. Frequent power surges can also lead to excess heat buildup in electrical circuits, further increasing energy waste. 

By filtering out dirty electricity, your home’s power flow remains stable, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and reduces your risk of damage during power surges. 

It Improves Appliance Efficiency and Reduces Power Draw 

Many modern electronics, such as computers, refrigerators, and HVAC systems, run on variable-speed motors that adjust power usage. When exposed to dirty electricity, these devices work harder to stabilize power, consuming more electricity than necessary. 

By eliminating dirty electricity, appliances operate more smoothly, lowering energy demand and extending their lifespan. With less energy consumption from your appliances comes lower bills from getting rid of dirty electricity.  

It Minimizes Reactive Power Loss to Lower kWh Usage 

Reactive power loss occurs when appliances use electricity inefficiently, causing the meter to register higher consumption. Dirty electricity increases electromagnetic interference, forcing the electrical grid to compensate for wasted energy. By filtering out this interference, homes can reduce overall kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage, leading to lower bills. 

How much can I save by getting rid of dirty electricity? 

While fixing dirty electricity can potentially lead to small energy savings by improving the efficiency of your appliances, the exact amount of energy and money saved can depend.  

It can also vary significantly depending on the severity of the dirty electricity issue and the types of appliances you use; generally, the energy savings are considered to be minimal, but every cent counts when it comes to your electricity bill. 

What effect can dirty electricity have on health? 

In the same way that dust and pollen affect our health, dirty electricity can do the same thing! Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are linked to electrical power and different types of lighting, both natural and artificial called radiation. Emerging studies suggest that prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from dirty electricity may contribute to: 

• Cancer, diabetes and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in humans. 

• Sleep disturbances and chronic fatigue. 

• Headaches and difficulty concentrating. 

• Increased stress due to constant exposure to electrical noise. 

• Potential links to immune system dysfunction and increased inflammation. 

This is why it’s important to know what dirty electricity is and how to prevent it. 

Mitigating Health Risks of Dirty Electricity 

To reduce the potential health effects of dirty electricity, consider first installing dirty electricity filters to clean up power lines. The next best thing you can do to reduce the dirty electricity in your home is to unplug electronic devices when not in use. 

Additionally, using wired connections instead of Wi-Fi, opting for LED bulbs over CFLs, and keeping a safe distance from high-frequency electronics can further minimize exposure. Creating a low-EMF environment by reducing wireless device usage and properly grounding your electrical system may also help. 

How to test the levels of dirty electricity in your home 

Testing for dirty electricity in your home is essential for maintaining a safe and efficient electrical environment. Here’s how you can assess and address dirty electricity levels: 

Use an EMI Meter to Measure High-Frequency Noise 

Acquire an Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) meter, such as the Graham-Stetzer Meter or the Line Noise EMI Meter, designed to detect high-frequency voltage transients on your electrical lines. This helps you determine exactly how much dirty electricity you have in your home. 

Plug this device into various outlets throughout your home to measure the levels of dirty electricity present and then take steps to mitigate the highest problem areas. 

Test Multiple Outlets to Identify Problem Areas 

Measure dirty electricity levels at different outlets in each room to pinpoint areas with elevated readings. High readings in specific locations can help you identify appliances or devices contributing to dirty electricity. Locations with high readings of dirty electricity typically include places with the most devices like a kitchen or a living room. 

How to fix dirty electricity

If you’re wondering how to fix dirty electricity, one of the best ways to so is through testing and implementing dirty electricity filters. Place filters, such as plug-in devices or whole-house systems, to mitigate high-frequency noise. 

Start fixing dirty electricity by first identifying the sources of high interference or EMF readings. You can do with using an EMF meter and plugging it into outlets to gage dirty electricity levels. Next, once you have your readings replace or unplug your devices with high EMF readings and for an extra layer of protection, use dirty electricity filters and power conditioners. 

For even more protection, consider improving home wiring and grounding. Proper wiring helps minimize electrical spikes that contribute to dirty electricity and provides a safe path for stray electrical currents that would otherwise cause dirty electricity. Lastly, consider reducing your reliance on smart technology that generates excessive electrical noise and dirty electricity. 

Do dirty electricity filters work? 

In a nutshell, using dirty electricity filters can work. Using a dirty electricity filter can effectively reduce high-frequency interference, leading to lower EMF exposure, improved power quality, and extended appliance lifespan. 

But keep in mind that not all filters are created equal—choosing the right filter depends on home size, power usage and the EMF levels in your home. With the right filter for your home’s needs, a dirty electricity filter can work. 

Types of dirty electricity filters 

To effectively reduce dirty electricity in your home, there are two main types of filters available: 

Plug-in Filters – Target Individual Appliances 

Plug-in dirty electricity filters are small devices that are inserted directly into wall outlets to absorb and neutralize high-frequency voltage spikes generated by nearby electronics. These filters are designed to clean up dirty electricity at the source, preventing it from spreading through home wiring.  

Generally, plug-in filters work best with single devices and are best for homes with many electronic devices that produce electrical noise, such as Wi-Fi routers, computers, LED lights, and televisions. Plug-in filters work best in areas where specific appliances are causing interference, such as dimmer switches or smart meters. 

This device does come with some limitations. For instance, since these filters only address localized sources, they may not be sufficient for homes with widespread electrical noise across multiple circuits. Keep in mind that using too many plug-in filters in a single home can sometimes cause electrical imbalances, leading to increased power usage in some cases. 

Whole-House Dirty Electricity Filters – Installed at the Breaker Panel to Filter All Circuits 

Whole-house filters are installed directly at the electrical breaker panel to remove dirty electricity before it spreads throughout the home. These filters regulate the power coming in from the grid, ensuring a more stable and cleaner electrical flow across all circuits. 

Often, whole-house dirty electricity filters work best in homes with persistent electrical noise across multiple rooms or high external sources of dirty electricity (e.g., proximity to power lines, smart meters, or high-voltage towers). Households who are looking for a comprehensive solution to eliminating dirty electricity at a larger scale can benefit from whole-house dirty electricity filters. 

Like all devices, whole-house dirty electricity filters come with limitations. These filter come with a higher initial cost and require professional installation. While effective, whole-house filters cannot eliminate all sources of dirty electricity, especially from plugged-in devices that generate their own noise. 

Which Type of Filter Should You Choose? 

If you have specific problem areas, start with plug-in filters for targeted relief. If you want a comprehensive solution for your entire home, a whole-house dirty electricity filter is the better choice. In some cases, a combination of both types provides the best results for minimizing electromagnetic interference and ensuring clean power throughout your home. 

How does EP filter the dirty electricity?   

EP filters can provide protection against electrical surges and noise by utilizing advanced filtration technology. Their compact design allows for easy installation on any electrical panel, making them suitable for single-family homes, multi-family units, townhouses, and villas. 

These filters effectively eliminate dirty electricity, restoring a clean, stable, and sinusoidal power flow, ensuring a safer and more efficient electrical environment. 

By converting dirty electricity into clean power, EP filters: 

• Extend the lifespan of appliances by preventing electrical wear and tear. 

• Lower energy costs by reducing unnecessary power waste. 

• Improve appliance efficiency and performance, ensuring they operate at peak capacity. 

Dirty electricity isn’t just an inconvenience—it can shorten appliance lifespans, impact health, and drive up energy bills. The good news? You have the power to take control of your energy environment and create a safer, more efficient home. 

But why stop there? Take your energy savings a step further by choosing Santanna Energy Services as your trusted energy provider. We offer energy plans tailored to your energy lifestyle. Whether you prioritize cost savings, sustainability, or stability, we have a plan that fits your needs—giving you peace of mind and control over your energy future. If you’re ready to power your home with a reliable energy supplier, explore Santanna’s energy plans today and experience the difference.