With average winter temperatures in our area ranging from the low-30s to the mid-50s, this time of year is often associated with higher bills. However, that doesn’t have to be the case! Making a few small changes in your energy use habits can make your bill more manageable.
Follow these simple energy efficiency tips to help melt away high bills this winter:
- Use cold water to wash your clothes whenever possible to save on water heating costs.
- Seal leaks around doors and windows with caulk or weather stripping to prevent cool air from coming in your home.
- Set ceiling fan blades to slowly rotate clockwise in winter to push warm air down into the room.
- Use a smart or programmable thermostat to set a temperature schedule so you’re not heating your home when you’re not there.
- Lower the temperature setting on your water heater to 120°F. This is warm enough to keep you comfortable without breaking the bank.
- Keep blinds and curtains open on sunny days to let the sun heat your home. But don’t forget to close them once the sun sets!
- Bundle up with blankets while you are sleeping so you can lower the thermostat and still be comfortable. We recommend keeping your thermostat at 68°F in the winter.
- Wrap your water heater with an insulated blanket to prevent heat from escaping your tank.
Click here for more information about how to control your bill this winter.