The heat of summer has passed, and the temperatures are cooling. For many, this means a welcome drop in their energy bills. But this isn’t the case for everyone. Some people’s electricity bill remains steady during the winter months or even goes up. Today, we’ll talk about why you could be experiencing high energy bills in the winter and what you can do to help lower your electricity costs this season.

Reasons for High Electric Bills in Winter

It seems like your electric bill would go down once your air conditioning unit isn’t working so hard. But remember, as temperatures drop, your HVAC system is back in use again warming your home during the cold winter months.


Using the heater to warm your home is one of the main reasons for high winter electric bills. The big gap between the temperature outside and what we consider warm and cozy in our homes can cause the heater to work overtime. Plus, in most parts of the country, it gets dark earlier in the winter, which means you have to turn your lights on sooner.

And, in all likelihood, because of the colder temps and less daylight, you may find yourself at home more often. Cold weather inspires us to remain indoors, cook warm foods, and spend countless hours watching television and movies, all of which require electricity.

On top of it all, along with winter comes the holiday season. Kids are home from school, there’s lots of cooking and baking, and there are plenty of holiday decorations going up. Festive lights, inflatable snowmen, and countless other energy-zapping devices can all add up when it comes to the cost of your electricity bill.

Eight Ways to Reduce Your Winter Energy Bill

Before you cancel the holiday festivities and wrap yourself in blankets to save a few bucks on your energy bill, there are a few simple things you can do to ease the cost of electricity during the winter:

  1.       Lower your thermostat. You don’t have to be drastic and drop it 20 degrees. Simply setting it back by 7 degrees can make a huge difference. In fact, it could reduce your bill by as much as 10 percent. At night, when you are sleeping, dress warm, use blankets, and try to keep your temperature no higher than 68 degrees. Test it out with your family and see what you can tolerate.
  2.       Seal windows and doors. Drafty windows and doors could cause your HVAC to work even harder than it already does. If you experience a draft in these areas, it may be time to reseal or replace the weather stripping. Doing so can help reduce your electricity bills throughout the winter.
  3.       Check insulation. Proper insulation is critical to keeping your home warm. This is especially the case with your attic. If the attic has plenty of insulation, it will help keep the warm air from rising into it and escaping your home. If you do lose warmth because of a lack of insulation, then you can expect your heater to work hard and run up your electric bill.
  4.       Clean your filters. Summer months aren’t the only ones that require filter changes. This is just as important during the winter months. Clean filters help maintain airflow and keep your system working efficiently. And when your HVAC runs well, your energy bill benefits.
  5.       Keep air vents clear. There should be no obstructions around your air vents. Keep them clear throughout the winter to promote the proper flow of air throughout your home. Avoid blocking them with furniture, holiday lights, or any other obstructions to keep your HVAC system from working overtime.
  6.       Turn off the lights. This sounds easy enough, but leaving lights on in a room that’s not occupied happens a lot, especially in winter months when it gets dark so early. Getting into the habit of turning these off is an easy and preventative measure that you can take to reduce your energy bill in the winter. This is also a good habit to teach your kids.
  7.       Get a thermostat upgrade. Can you program your current thermostat to bring the home to certain temperatures at different times of the day? If not, it may be time to do so. Setting it to a lower temperature while you are away or at night while you are tucked under the warm covers could help lower your bill. Today, you can also find smart thermostats that can be controlled from anywhere with your smartphone or tablet.
  8.       Have your HVAC unit checked out. If your bills seem unusually high, something could be amiss with your HVAC system. If this is the case, call in the pros to take a look. Yes, this may cost you a trip charge and a few services, but in the long run, it could help you save significantly on your electric bill. And if you have a home warranty plan, this kind of service may even be covered by it.

Stream Energy Can Help You Keep Energy Costs Under Control

Of course, you can always change energy providers as a way to keep your bill under control. Stream Energy offers a variety of energy plans to choose from, including a simple and secure plan with no surprises. You’ll know exactly what your TDU charges, as well as other charges, will be. For eco-conscious customers, Stream also offers a clean and green plan that is powered by 100 percent renewable energy and a rate that doesn’t increase even if your use does.

Stream Energy offers the most competitive rates and plans available today. With services in Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Washington, D.C., Illinois, Delaware, and Ohio, Stream Energy is committed to providing friendly service and excellent rates to its customers.