Managing your winter energy bill: Tips to save on heating costs

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– As temperatures drop this winter, many people may notice an increase in their energy bills. But according to Jeff Brooks, a spokesperson with Duke Energy, it’s not about price hikes—it’s all about usage.

“When the temperature is milder, there is not that much opportunity to save on your bill, but right now you have a great opportunity to do that,” Brooks explains.

Brooks says the key factor driving higher energy costs during the colder months is how much energy you’re using. It’s not about one particularly cold or hot day, but rather extended periods of fluctuating weather. “If you tend to use a lot of air conditioning or a lot of heat, you’re going to see a higher bill,” he says. “It doesn’t necessarily happen when there’s one cold day or one hot day—what you’re going to look for are those stretches where it’s cold for five days in a row.”

To help lower your bill, Brooks offers some simple tips. He suggests setting your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. “That could mean just bumping it down a few degrees. Every degree you get closer to the outside temperature is going to save you on your electric bill because heating is the biggest energy use in our home typically,” he says.

Another simple trick is adjusting your blinds or curtains. “If you’ve got curtains or blinds, open them during the daytime on the sunny side of the house to let that natural heat come in, but then make sure to close them as the day goes on to keep the warm air in and the cold air out.”

For those concerned about their energy usage, Brooks also recommends tracking it. “Either through the Duke Energy app or on your bill, look at your usage. If you’re trying to compare bills, it’s most important that you compare the month you are in to the same month from the previous year,” he advises.

Meanwhile, Brookes Versaggi, spokesperson for Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation, points out just how much heating and cooling impacts your energy bill. “It’s not uncommon for heating or cooling your home to be 50 percent of your electricity bill, so any difference you can make to have that run less will make a big difference in your bill,” he says.

By being mindful of small changes, you can manage your energy usage more efficiently and keep your bills in check this winter.