During this time of year, you might see an increase in your PSO bill amount. This may be due to the drop in temperatures mixed with increased usage during the holiday season. The colder it is outside, the harder a heating system has to work, and the more energy it takes to keep a home warm.
Consider these five low- and no-cost energy-saving tips:
- Adjust the temperature in your home when no one is home or when everyone is asleep. Set thermostats as low as appropriate for staying healthy and comfortable. Lowering the temperature on your thermostat by just a couple of degrees can result in significant long-term savings.
- Replace your air filters to keep your HVAC system and thermostat(s) working well as you heat your home. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, making your system work harder and less effective.
- Seal leaks to stop drafts. No one likes a cold draft on a winter day. Air leaks can cause your home to lose 25% or more of the energy used to heat it! Doors are the #1 culprit, so use door seals and door sweeps to stop cold air in its tracks (plus, get instant rebates from us). But don’t stop there; check keyholes, ceiling light fixtures, and fireplace mantels to see if you can spot other places your heat could be escaping and seal them accordingly.
- Use your curtains. Open your curtains and blinds during daylight hours to allow the sun to naturally heat your home. Close your curtains and blinds when the sun goes down to act as a barrier and prevent cold chills from cooling your home.
- Adjust the temperature of your water heater. After heating and cooling systems, water heaters are the second-highest source of energy usage in a home. Whether you use it or not, your water heater continually reheats water to a set temperature, 24/7. Lowering the temperature on your water heater by just a few degrees can save you a couple of dollars on your monthly energy bills.
Follow these easy tips and you’ll be an energy winner this winter! Visit our tips page to save all year long, whatever the weather. Visit our Cold Weather Safety page too and keep safety top of mind for you and your loved ones.