When freezing temperatures hit our area, most of us stay indoors and look for ways to stay warm. This can mean you man see higher-than-normal electric bills, which begs the question: "Why does my bill go up when its cold outside?"

Increased heating demand: 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.

Heating appliances: Devices like space heaters, electric blankets, and water heaters work harder to maintain warmth.

Inefficiency: Wasted energy due to a home's inefficiency can contribute to an electric bill being higher than expected. Seal up cracks and gaps, and make sure the attic has sufficient insulation. An older or poorly maintained heating, ventilating and air conditioning system will also elevate energy use. Be sure to perform regular maintenance, including frequently changing filters.

More time indoors: People tend to spend more time indoors during colder weather, increasing the use of electronics, lights, and kitchen appliances, contributing to higher energy use.