Winter Weather Resources

An unusually long stretch of cold weather may make your home feel uncomfortable and lead to higher energy use. There is no single component that contributes more to increased electric bills than heating in the winter. Weather, inefficiency, and home habits determine what your next electric bill will look like. Below are some tips that can help you take control of those factors.

Weather

Maintaining a consistent temperature range in your home means your heating system must work harder when the temperature gap between the exterior and interior of your home increases.

For example, if your home’s thermostat is set at 70 degrees and the temperature outside is 50 degrees, your system must only adjust for a 20-degree difference. However, when the temperature drops to 30 degrees outside, your system must work harder to compensate for a 40-degree difference.

While the weather can be unpredictable, you can take control by adjusting your home’s thermostat settings. The smaller the gap between your home’s set temperature and the outdoor temperature, the less your heating system will have to compensate. This reduces your energy consumption and helps you save money on your electric bill.

Inefficiency

Wasted energy due to a home’s inefficiency can contribute to an electric bill being higher than expected. Combined with cold temperatures, inefficiency is a double whammy for winter electric bills.

The older your home is, the more likely it is to have air leaks and insufficient insulation. Seal up cracks and gaps, and make sure the attic has sufficient insulation.

An older or poorly maintained heating, ventilating and air conditioning system will also elevate energy use. Be sure to perform regular maintenance, including frequently changing air filters.

Home Habits

If your thermostat is typically set to 75 degrees in the winter, consider layering clothing and lowering the setting to achieve comparable comfort. For an even more efficient routine, lower the thermostat further at night when you’re bundled under the covers.

You should also pay attention to the temperature setting on your water heater (120 degrees is optimal for efficiency); your refrigerator should be set to 34 to 37 degrees and the freezer between zero and 5 degrees.

Simple, yet easier habits, like washing clothes in cold water and only doing full loads, will increase efficiency. Full loads for the dishwasher should also be the norm. Turn off lights when you leave a room, and switch out less efficient bulbs for long-lasting, high-efficiency LED bulbs.

Learn more energy efficiency tips with 101 Ways to Save (PDF) in English or in Spanish (PDF).

Monitor Energy Use

Remember to use your mySamHouston account or the mySamHouston app to track your home’s energy use to help prevent unexpectedly high bills. You can even set account alerts to notify you if your home’s energy use goes beyond a custom level set by you. If you need assistance setting up your mySamHouston account, please call 800-458-0381.

Resources

For more information on how to prepare for winter weather, learn more at: https://www.ready.gov/winter-ready#risks/. Consumer-members are also encouraged to follow local emergency management officials for detailed information about your community:

Inclement Weather Resources