Cold Temps Demand Electricity

Extreme cold temperatures have a few significant impacts on your bill.  

Below are the five most common we see:  

Overworked Heating Systems: extreme cold forces heating systems to work double time. This means the kWh tally increases significantly as the system works to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. The harder the system works, the higher the bills can be. Whether you are electric or gas, it needs to work twice as hard to keep temperatures comfortable.  

Heat Loss: If your home has poor insulation and drafts can be felt, keeping a comfortable temperature is harder. The heat system works harder and consumes more energy.  

Plumbing: To prevent pipes from freezing, you may need to raise your thermostat or use space heaters strategically. As a reminder, when you plug anything in, you are using energy.  

Watering Animals: Frozen water tanks can be a big problem when keeping water flowing for animals. Using tank heaters or other electric heat to keep water from freezing could impact your energy use and bill.   

Block Heaters: Plugging in tractors or diesel engines to keep vehicles running will also increase energy use.  

How can you conserve energy during extreme cold temperatures or during winter in general? There are short—and long-term solutions.  

Things you can do now are:  

DIY Solutions: There are inexpensive DIY ways to insulate your home. You can pick up kits to help you cover windows with plastic or kits to help seal any gaps or cracks around doors and windows. You can always use door sweeps or towels to keep under-door drafts to a minimum. Rugs on floors can also help retain heat. These are all ways to winterize, even if you rent.  

Doors and Windows: Make sure windows are locked, and storm windows are securely shut. Locked windows also seal gaps. Drapes are also a way to keep cold air out.  It’s also important to keep garage doors closed to keep heat in.  

Dress Warm: Layering up at home can help you maintain comfort without turning up the thermostat. Explore other heating sources like electric blankets or heating pads for personal warmth. These can be energy-efficient options for targeted comfort. 

Strategic Space Heating: Space heaters are a great supplement in the winter, but remember that if they plug in, they use energy. Keep safety a priority, and be mindful of when and where you use a space heater. Heat only the rooms you’re using and turn them off when not in use.  

There are also long-term solutions to energy efficiency. 

Home Improvement Investments: Proper home insulation is the first line of defense. Attics and rim joists are common places where heat is lost. Adding insulation can help maintain heat or minimize heat loss. 

Programmable Thermostats: A long-term solution is utilizing technology. Programmable thermostats allow setting temperatures lower when you’re away or sleeping and raising them when you're home. It’s a simple strategy to conserve energy.  

Energy-Efficient Heating Systems: Consider upgrading your heating system to a high-efficiency furnace or heat pump. An initial investment can pay off in the long run through reduced energy bills.  

Winter temperatures can be a battle when it comes to energy conservation, but with a few saving strategies, you can weather the storm. Always prioritize safety and follow safety protocols when utilizing alternative heating sources and generators.  

If you need assistance with winter bills, you may be able to utilize FreeState’s budget billing program or call our office to determine what options are available.