Address Common Areas of High Energy Use
If you compare your current bill to a previous bill from a period of similar weather, did you use more electricity (kWh)? Be sure to look at the energy use as well as the cost.
If there is an increase in energy use, identifying the reason and implementing some of the quick fixes below can help. Note that bills are for past usage, and electricity use increases during colder weather. Some bills also include more days than others.
Heating:
- Replace dirty furnace filters.
- Use space heaters sparingly and only in occupied rooms.
- Turn your thermostat as low as you can comfortably go.
- Seal common air leaks around windows, doors, and plumbing fixtures to prevent warm air from escaping.
Cooling:
- Use window AC units only in rooms you use most, ensuring the unit fits snugly to avoid air leaks.
- Close doors to unused spaces if using window AC units.
- Use fans to circulate cooled air more effectively and reduce reliance on the AC unit.
Water Heating:
- Take short showers instead of baths.
- Wash laundry on cold.
- Check for water leaks.