Tips to Keep Your Energy Bills at Bay This Winter

If your energy bill seems to spike every winter, you’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not alone. Winter is peak energy season. Colder temperatures, shorter days, and more time spent indoors all add up.

The good news? A few small, consistent changes can make a real difference. Here’s how to keep your winter energy use—and your bills—under control.

Why energy bills rise in winter

Even though electricity rates are typically lower in winter, most homes use more power during the colder months. Common reasons include:

• More heating: Furnaces, electric heat pumps, and space heaters run longer. Even gas heaters often rely on electricity.

• Longer nights: With fewer daylight hours, lights stay on more in the mornings and evenings.

• Hot water demand: Hot showers, laundry, and dishwashing increase, and water heaters work harder in cold weather.

  
  

Together, these habits can quietly drive up your bill.

Five simple tips to lower winter energy use

You don’t need expensive upgrades to see savings. Whether you rent or own, these low-cost tips can help right away:

1. Set your thermostat wiselyLowering your thermostat by just a few degrees—especially at night or when you’re away—can reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort.

2. Seal drafts wherever you canCold air sneaking in around doors and windows forces heaters to work overtime. Simple fixes like weatherstripping, door sweeps, or draft stoppers can be surprisingly effective.

3. Use space heaters carefully (and sparingly)Space heaters consume a lot of electricity. If you use one, heat only the room you’re in, keep doors closed, and always turn it off when you leave.

4. Switch to LED lightingLED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer—an easy win during long winter nights.

5. Wash clothes in cold water when possibleHeating water takes energy. Cold-water washing works well for most loads and can lower your overall energy use over time.