What Causes High Electric Bills in the Winter?

 

The closer we inch toward the colder months, the more people ask themselves why is the electric bill so high in the winter, but most importantly, what they can do to lower it. It should come as no surprise that the electric bill will go up in the winter, especially for those who live in colder climates and require extensive use of a furnace to keep their home warm.

 There are ways to manage a high energy bill in winter based on the different factors that play a role in its size. Winter electricity usage may go up from the frigid temperatures, but the energy-saving tips below will help you make the amount more manageable.

 Unplug Devices

Leaving devices plugged in even when they're not in use is a huge energy drain. Appliances that don't need to keep being plugged in, various charges, or power strips, can all be turned off at least at the end of the night, if not right after use. Instead of leaving the laptop's cord plugged into the wall or the one from your cell phone, take it out until you need to lose it again, so it doesn't continue to pull electricity.

 Home Insulation

During winter, home insulation is one of the largest factors which lead to an enormous electric bill. Leaks, cracks, and poor insulation will cause the air inside your home to escape, which will, in turn, make your furnace work overtime to get to the right temperature. Use weather stripping for any leaks you find in windows and doors. Sometimes you can even use rubber caulk, which will expand and contract with your home. Don't hesitate to call a professional should you have any trouble.

 Extreme Weather

As mentioned, the winter months will likely cause you to run your heating longer to achieve the right temperature inside your home. Should the weather become more extreme, such as longer periods of snow or freezing weather, you'll find your furnace working harder to heat your home.

 Path Equals Price

During the winter months, the price of electricity may end up going up. Using electricity is not all about just flipping a switch or plugging something in. It means the electricity had to be generated and then delivered, and during winter, it is that process that becomes more expensive. More energy needs to be generated for the increase in demand, taxing the system, and, therefore, driving up the price. 

 Old, Outdated Appliances

Outdated appliances pull in excessive amounts of energy, especially an outdated furnace. If you'd like to minimize the amount of electricity used and have some funds to spare on updates, it might be the best time to purchase newer models. Looks for the Energy Star information presented with any new appliance to find out exactly what your savings may look like for the year.

 Run Full Loads

Whether you have newer or older models of appliances in your home, never run them half-full. Maximize their potential as it will save you not only on energy but also on water usage. Even if the loads are only filled by half, the amount of energy expended to make the appliance run will be the same.

 Temperature Regulation

For further energy savings, you can also turn down the temperature both inside your home and on your appliances. The same can apply to the boiler that stores your hot water. Suppose you have a regular boiler inside of your home instead of a continuous flow. In that case, the boiler will have to keep heating you're stored to the optimal temperature since it will no doubt continue turning cold in the frigid temperatures of winter.

 You can do the same for appliances such as the washer since your clothes will likely come out washed the same no matter the temperature of the water you use. Your dishwasher may have a more challenging time with colder water; however, you can also maintain a lower temperature level when washing dishes by hand or taking a bath or shower.

 Prepaid Electricity

Finally, as an added incentive and a way to save money on your electricity bill, you can always switch to a prepaid electricity plan if you reside in a deregulated market. A prepaid plan allows you to pay any amount you’d like toward your electricity bill in exchange for a certain amount of electricity delivered to your home throughout the month.

 This plan will help you budget your money appropriately, but will also test you in finding creative ways of saving energy. Most of the time, the plan comes outfitted with a smart meter to help you track the usage throughout the month so you can find your biggest culprit in energy consumption.

 Takeaway

Winter, a magical albeit cold time of the year, comes with an increase in utility bills. The cold weather will cause your household to use more electricity in an effort to warm your home and stay comfortable.

 There are steps you can take to lower the amount of your budget you’ll have to allocate toward the electricity bill. Some of the steps are rather simple, such as lowering the temperature on many appliances as well as your thermostat. Unplugging appliances and upgrading them will also help you as you work to find out which item in your home is the biggest culprit in energy usage. Take the time to review the insulation within your home in the doors, windows, and if you have one, the attic. A professional can also come in handy in these situations if you’re unsure of what to look for.

 A prepaid electricity plan such as is offered through Now Power, can also become a complementary step in all your preparation for the winter. Use the plan as a way to challenge yourself and lower your energy consumption.