Avoid a High Electricity Bill in the Winter

Many people become home-bodies during the winter, even when we aren’t in quarantine. When we are home more, our electricity bill also goes up more. However, there are many reasons your electric bill might be higher in the wintertime. The temperature going below freezing runs your bill higher because it has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. The holiday season is often celebrated with lights, which use energy. If you notice a higher bill this winter, follow these tips to maintain a decently priced electric bill while still staying warm.

Control Your Thermostat

If you are not renting your home, it is very viable to upgrade your thermostat. With the new technology our world has adapted, you can purchase and implement a smart thermostat that will allow you to customize your heating to save you money. Smart thermostats are programmable and often can be controlled from your smartphone. This enables you to lower the heat in your home, no matter where you are. Turning your thermostat down while you are away from home or sleeping can save you an estimated 10% a year on heating and cooling. Just turn your thermostat back 7-10 degrees when you are at work or school, and you will cut electricity costs.

Check up on Vents and Filters

When trying to reduce your electricity bill, one thing often overlooked is simple things like vents and filters. Your heating system’s filter should be changed every 90 days. A dirty or old filter can affect the amount of air coming from your systems, often overworking it, running your bill up. Check all the vents in your home and move any furniture or objects that are blocking your vents from performing. Objects in front of a vent can be a fire hazard and require your heating system to work harder to heat your home. A good rule of thumb in the winter is to also ignore heating spaces that do not have insulation. Garages, crawl-spaces, etc., do not keep the heat so heating them is often a waste of energy.

There are many reasons why your electricity bill might be higher in the winter. If you follow these tips and your bill doesn’t lower, contact the professionals at Nies Electric. Sometimes it is necessary to get a tune-up on your electrical systems to ensure they are working correctly and not affecting your bill.