With the National Weather Service forecasting overnight temperatures to stay below freezing through early next week, we have tips to help you stay warm and safe in your home, while also minimizing the cold's effect on your bill.
Winter weather impacts most residential electric bills. When the temperature drops, heating appliances such as heat pumps, furnaces, and water heaters use more energy to heat the air or water to your preferred temperature. Even if you leave your thermostat set at 70 degrees year round, your heating system must work longer and harder during cold winter months to keep the temperature consistent.
If you're worried about a high electric bill or keeping warm with an older heating system, here are a few tips to help:
- Heat your home efficiently. While there are smaller actions you can take to lessen winter's effect on your bill, the biggest savings come from upgrading to an efficient heating system and/or water heater. And EPUD has incentives to help you make the upgrade!
- Set up your space. Snuggle up to interior walls as they are warmer. Close off unused rooms and stay away from big windows.
- Dress in layers. Consider wearing thermal underwear under your clothing, a sweater, socks and hat while at home.
- Take advantage of the heat from the sun. Keep curtains open on south-facing windows during the day when the sun is out.
- Keep warm air in and cold air out. Caulk or weatherstrip to seal leaks around doors and windows. Seal air leaks around pipes, outlets, recessed lights and unfinished spaces behind closets and cupboards.
- Cover drafty windows. Put up insulating drapes or shades on windows after weatherizing them.
- Maintain your heating system. Replace furnace filters at least monthly. Clean the chimney flue vent regularly. Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning.
- Stay warm and safe. Never leave a space heater unattended. Space heaters are meant to heat the space you're in, not your whole house. Did you know? Leaving a 1,500 watt space heater running can cost you about $90 a month!
- Use SmartHub to track your usage! Our online account management system, SmartHub, lets you monitor your electricity usage and history, from a pc, tablet, or mobile device. View easy-to-read usage graphs with monthly or daily information, and see the difference small changes can make!
Our Energy Services team can help you find additional ways to save money on your monthly bills. Schedule your FREE energy audit today at 541-744-7482 or visit https://www.epud.org/energy-efficiency/request-an-audit.