Did you know that a big chunk of your electric bill goes towards keeping your home comfortable? Heating in the winter and cooling in the summer can significantly impact your energy consumption.
The Temperature Tango
When the mercury soars or plummets, the HVAC system works overtime to maintain your desired indoor temperature. This extra effort can lead to a noticeable increase in your electric bill.
Here’s the golden rule: The closer the thermostat setting is to the outdoor temperature, the less energy your system will use.
- Summertime Savings: Aim for a higher indoor temperature. This will reduce the strain on your air conditioner. When you’re away from home, consider raising the thermostat a few degrees. When you’re home, set it to a comfortable level that also helps control humidity.
- Wintertime Wisdom: Lowering the thermostat can save energy. Aim for around 68°F to 70°F when you’re awake and lower it while you’re asleep or away. Remember, the longer your home stays at a lower temperature, the more energy you’ll save.
A Note About Heat Pumps
If you have a heat pump, programmable thermostats aren’t always the best choice. In cooling mode, a heat pump acts like an air conditioner, so raising the thermostat can save energy. However, when it’s heating, adjusting the thermostat up and down can decrease efficiency. For heat pumps, maintaining a steady, moderate temperature is generally the most cost-effective approach.
Understanding Your Bill
To help you track energy usage, we include the average monthly temperature on your electric bill. This allows you to compare the current month’s temperature to the previous month and the same month last year which can show how weather impacts your energy consumption.
By understanding how temperature affects your electric bill, you can make informed decisions to reduce energy consumption and save money.
OTHER NEWS
Low income home energy assistance program
LIHEAP helps low income households stay safe and healthy by providing financial assistance to offset the costs of heating and cooling. What it does Heating assistance Cooling assistance Deposit/Reconnect fee assistance Year round crisis assistance Emergency furnace...
Keep food safe when the power goes out
Severe winds, lightning and even squirrels can temporarily cause the power to go out. We understand power outages of any length can be frustrating, especially when your fridge is stocked with perishable foods.
Extended power outages are rare, but when they occur, it’s important to understand food safety measures to take to avoid illness.
Here are a few food safety tips to keep in mind before, during and after a power outage.
Boards vote to consolidate
The boards of directors of the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District and Dawson Public Power District voted Monday during a joint meeting of the boards to consolidate the two districts into a single public power and irrigation district. The consolidated entity will be called Platte River Public Power and Irrigation District (PRPPID).