By this point in the year, the coldest days and highest energy bills are supposed to be behind us, but unfortunately, this winter doesn’t want to let go.
While we can’t change the weather, we can make a few small changes to our behavior that will bring some relief to our home energy bills without compromising our comfort. Heating accounts for around 45 percent of a home’s energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. So even small behavioral changes should make a difference.
If your home heating system allows it, heat only the rooms you use. Lower the thermostat for your electric baseboards, cable ceiling and wall heaters in rooms that aren’t in use and remember to close those doors. Also consider dropping your furnace a few degrees and using space heaters, which are 100 percent efficient and much cheaper to operate than a furnace, to heat specific rooms. Just don’t use them scattered all over your home — heat the space you’re in at the time.
Speaking of heat, lower your thermostat by about 5 degrees before you go to bed. For every degree you lower the temperature and hold it there for an eight-hour period, you should expect a 1 to 2 percent savings on the heating part of your bill. It can be difficult to build that habit into your routine, so set a reminder on your phone, or program your thermostat to do it for you. Stay warm by adding an extra layer or two of blankets to your bed or by adding an electric blanket.
“Electric blankets are incredibly cheap to operate and there’s no better way to stay warm that having the heat source wrapped around you,” said Clark Public Utilities Energy Services Supervisor DuWayne Dunham. “Using an electric blanket for eight hours a day will cost you only $3.43 per month.”
On sunny days throw your curtains open and embrace the natural light. The sun’s rays will passively warm your home and reduce your need for electric lighting. But be sure to close your curtains at sundown. Outdoor temperatures are at their lowest during the night and windows are poor insulators. Closing your curtains after dark will help keep the heat trapped inside and keep you more comfortable if you’re near them.
Facts about fans
Use your exhaust fans sparingly. They suck warm air out of the home and send it outside. It’s important to use them during and just after a shower or while cooking to remove moisture that can lead to mold or mildew, but don’t let them run longer than necessary.
Homes with high ceilings might benefit from running ceiling fans at low speeds. They’re usually used for cooling, but can make your home feel more comfortable when it’s cold too. Reverse the direction of the fan’s rotation to distribute the heat more comfortably. Look for the switch on the side of your fan to adjust its rotation.
If you have a home fireplace or wood stove, always keep your damper closed when it’s not in use. An open damper is like an open window; it allows warm air to go straight outside. If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue.
It’s also important to avoid some common misconceptions about staying warm in cold weather. First off, don’t use your fireplace if it doesn’t have an insert. An open fireplace is actually minus 10 percent efficient, meaning it’ll suck heat out of your home.
Also, don’t assume that cranking up the heat on your thermostat is necessary to maintaining your home comfort.
“It’s a common misconception that people need to turn the thermostat up when the outdoor temperature drops, but that’s not true,” Dunham said. “The thermostat is not a throttle. Your furnace will heat your home to whatever temperature your thermostat is set to, whether it’s 5 degrees or 50 degrees outside.”
Humidifiers, bills
Consider running a humidifier. Indoor air can easily dry out, especially during extended cold periods. Humid air has a warmer feel and holds heat better than dry air. But be cautious if you run one. Indoor humidity should never exceed 50 percent and humidifiers should be sanitized regularly to prevent health issues.
Call the Clark Public Utilities Energy Counselors from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 360-992-3355 if you have more questions about your specific home energy, or want to learn about programs, products or technologies to reduce wasted energy.
Finally, if these cold months are putting too much pressure on your finances, call the utility and talk with customer service at 360-992-3000, who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Representatives can make payment arrangements or evaluate eligibility for financial assistance.
“Communicate with us if you’re having trouble paying your bills and we’ll do our best to help,” Dunham said.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
