Why is my electric usage higher in the winter?

This is a question that comes up each year. It can be frustrating and confusing as members wonder what might have changed-is there a problem somewhere? Is my heating system working correctly? Have rates gone up?

There are a few factors that impact your electric bill in the winter:

• Your heat runs longer, and more frequently.

Although not every day is chilly, your heater is likely working overtime to keep your home comfortable in the winter months. Heating and cooling account for as much as half of a single-family home’s energy use. When temperatures drop, running the heating system for longer periods will result in a higher bill, even if you don’t adjust the setting on your thermostat. The greater the difference between the outside temperature and your thermostat setting, the harder your system must work. The harder your system works translates to higher energy consumption and higher electric bills. Even some gas heating systems use electricity to power the fan and distribute the warm air.

• You may spend more time indoors.

On cold days, you’re likely to spend more time inside. Increased time inside naturally involves increased usage of electric appliances, devices, heating, and lighting.

Ways to save on winter heating:

• Use a blanket or add extra layers. To optimize your thermostat for energy savings, experts recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter. If that’s simply not warm enough for you, consider curling up with a blanket or grabbing an extra sweater before you touch the thermostat.
• Turn the heat up one degree at a time. If you need to turn the heat up to stay comfortable, move the thermostat dial up just one degree at a time. Doing this ensures the thermostat is set as low as is comfortable so you don’t accidentally overheat your home (and add to your electric bill unnecessarily).
• Use your ceiling fan. Switch the direction of your ceiling fan so the blades rotate clockwise. Set at the lowest setting, this should help push warm air down, so you stay comfy.
• Open curtains and blinds during the day. In the winter months, keep curtains and blinds open to allow the sun’s heat to enter your home. It can help warm the space, so your heater runs less frequently.