Tips for lowering your winter electric bill
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Appalachian Power says an extra cold winter may bring an increase in electric bills.
The colder months will often bring an increase in a household’s number of kilowatt-hours (kWh).
The rates you are charged are calculated by cents per kWh.
Heating and air conditioning account for about 50% of the energy usage in a house.
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An increase in power may depend on whether the house is heated by electricity or natural gas and the age of the system.
Virginia Energy Sense provided some insights into what may cause an increase in your power usage this winter:
- Change your air filters regularly. Dirty air filters impede airflow and make an HVAC system work much harder.
- Lower your thermostat when you’re out of the house and at night while sleeping.
- Check for gaps in windows and doors letting cold air into the house.
- If you haven’t already, take down holiday lights and decorations that consume extra power.
- Switch to more power-efficient LED lightbulbs.
Homeowners can learn much more about energy efficiency and conservation from Virginia Energy Sense.
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