Why Bills Rise When the Temperature Drops

When you were a child, winter weather forecasts likely caused excitement because of the potential for a day off from school and unplanned time to play or go back to sleep. Your reaction to severe weather probably isn’t quite as enthusiastic now, even if winter is your favorite season and you still love snow. As an adult, you are more aware of potential problems that may result when snow accumulates on roads and outdoor temperatures drop dangerously low. 

Severe winter weather can lead to more energy usage and higher electric bills, too. Even if you don’t change your thermostat, your electric usage often increases in extreme temperatures. Why? When the outdoor temperature changes drastically or remains extremely cold for long periods of time, your heating unit must run longer and work harder to keep your home at the desired temperature you set.   

If you have your heating unit set to 70 degrees, for example, and the temperature outside is 50 degrees, your heater needs to make up and maintain a 20-degree difference. Now consider how much longer your heater needs to run when the temperature outside is below freezing or even below zero! Your heater must run almost continuously to keep your home comfortable in extreme temperatures, so your energy usage increases even without making any changes.

To help manage your energy costs during bitterly cold temperatures, try these tips: 

• Set your thermostat several degrees lower, and add more clothing layers and blankets.
• Seal any drafts around windows and doors.
• Use heavy drapes.
• Maintain your heating system to keep it operating efficiently. 

Before using space heaters, be aware they can consume a significant amount of electricity, especially if they are used in multiple rooms for hours at a time. They’re best used to heat small spaces. Use a space heater safely by turning it off when you leave the room, plugging it directly into an outlet, and keeping it on the floor at least 3 feet from the wall and flammable items like curtains, bedding, or clothes.

Visit our Winter Preparedness and Safety page for more tips on staying warm when the weather is cold.