photo credit: Sarah_Ackerman

As Texans face the first cold snap of the new year, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) offers the following tips to save money on electricity bills this winter if you use electric heat:

Handling the Heat-

• Lower the thermostat when you leave home. Make sure the lowered temperature will not affect pets or plants inside your home. An energy efficient setting is 68 degrees for winter. Consider buying a programmable thermostat if you don’t have one.
• For each degree you lower your thermostat in winter, you can save about 3 percent on your heating bill. If your monthly bill is about $100, lowering your thermostat four degrees could save you up to $12 on each bill.
• Lower the temperature setting on your water heater to about 120 degrees.
• Check all heating systems regularly –even minor problems can increase heating costs.

Lighten Up-

• Close curtains and shades at night and open them during the day. For maximum solar heat, keep your windows clean, especially those on the south side of your home.

Home Smarts-

• Clean and replace furnace filters once a month or more if needed.
• Use duct tape to repair and seal any leaks. Seal leaks around doors with weather stripping and around windows with caulking.
• If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the flue.
• Look for the Energy Star® and Energy guide label on items such as heating and cooling appliances, home entertainment systems, office equipment, and kitchen and bathroom appliances. These products meet energy efficient guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA. Customers can save up to $400 in a year.
• Make sure your home has proper insulation.

As a long-term investment, consider installing storm windows or double-paned windows to retain heat. Storm windows can reduce heating loss by 25 percent and double-paned windows can reduce your bill by 34 percent.