As winter lurks around the corner and temperatures steadily drop, you may notice a spike in your electricity bills. This increase can be frustrating, especially during the holiday season which is already an expensive time of year for many. However, understanding why your electric bill increases during the colder months and how to reduce your consumption can help you manage costs more effectively.

Here’s a look at some reasons for these higher bills and practical steps you can take to reduce them without sacrificing comfort.

Increased Heating Usage

The most significant contributing factor to higher-than-normal electric bills during this time of year is the increased demand for heating. Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, these systems rely heavily on electricity to keep your home warm. The colder it gets outside, the longer and harder your heating system has to work to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors.

Poor Insulation and Drafts

A home that isn’t properly insulated will lose heat much more quickly than one that is. If your attic, windows, doors, or walls are poorly insulated, warm air escapes, and cold air creeps in. This means your heating system must run longer and harder to maintain the temperature you want, which increases electricity consumption. In addition, air leaks from drafty windows and doors can cause significant heat loss, leading to higher energy bills.

Increased Lighting Usage

As winter days grow shorter, we rely more on artificial lighting. While switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs can reduce energy consumption, the more hours lights are on, the higher your energy use becomes. Additionally, holiday lighting can be surprisingly energy-hungry, especially if left on for long periods of time..

Inefficient Heating System

Older heating systems and water heaters tend to be less energy-efficient than newer models, consuming more electricity to provide the same level of performance. Over time, this inefficiency adds up, and you end up paying more than necessary.

Ways to Reduce Your Electric Bill

• Upgrade attic insulation to help prevent heat from escaping and seal gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk to minimize drafts.
• Use a programmable thermostat to set different temperatures throughout the day, ensuring you’re not heating an empty house.
• Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs that use significantly less energy and last longer.
• Maintain your heating system to improve its efficiency. Change air filters, clean vents, and schedule an annual tune-up to ensure your system is running optimally.
• Take shorter showers. Hot water heating accounts for a significant portion of your energy usage. By reducing the time you spend in the shower, you can lower your hot water consumption significantly.

At Blau Sudden Service, we have a variety of ways to help you keep your utility costs in check. From preventive maintenance and repair to new energy-efficient system installation, Blau can help you enjoy a warmer, more energy-efficient home. Contact us today to learn more.