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Top 5 winter savings recommendations

February 5, 2020
Hannah Hoeger

Published February 5, 2020

Winter isn’t leaving Minnesota any time soon, and now that most people have paid several months of winter energy bills, does your wallet feel lighter? If so, consider these top 5 savings recommendations to keep your home more comfortable and save on your next energy bill.

  1. Adjust your thermostat-the Department of Energy states that you can save an average of 3% for each degree you adjust. This could mean potential savings of 10% just by lowering your thermostat 3 to 4 degrees when you are sleeping or away from home. 
  2. Service furnaces & replace filters-making annual service checks on your furnace or boiler is a good safety check and is important preventative maintenance. Check to see if your utility provides rebates for tune-ups. Replacing furnace filters in the winter AND summer helps keep the furnace and central air conditioning running smoothly and efficiently.
  3. Use space heaters efficiently and safely-only use space heaters as needed and only when you are in the room. Space heaters are huge electricity suckers and this may be the cause of your higher than average electric bill.
  4. Weatherize your home-take some small, easy steps can make your home more comfortable. This includes putting plastics on drafty windows, adding weather stripping to doors, and sealing any leaks and cracks within your home. Get an energy audit to learn exactly where opportunities exist to make your home more energy efficient and to find out if you need insulation and air sealing.
  5. Use LED lights-if you’re not already doing so, make the switch! LEDs use 80 to 90 percent less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs.

If you would like more customized suggestions to reduce energy use, please contact CUB for a free one-on-one bill consultation. We know many people struggle to keep up with energy bills, especially in the winter. If you are concerned about paying your bills, please read our previous blog about the Cold Weather Rule, income-based energy assistance and weatherization programs. Also, check with your utility about income-qualified assistance programs to help further reduce your winter energy bills.