Conservation Tips

Heating Fuel Costs

The U.S. Energy Administration (EIA) predicts that home heating bills are likely to be slightly higher this winter due to higher prices in heating fuels.

While outdoor temperatures are expected to be similar to last winter, the rise in heating fuel costs may cause an increase in your energy bill. At Red Energy, we care about our customers and want to ensure that we provide the necessary information to prepare them for the projected higher fuel costs this year. Here are a few ways our customers can take control of their energy consumption to potentially lower their bills this winter:

Bundle up with warm accessories – it is more cost-effective to bundle up with warm accessories than to turn up the thermostat. Increasing the thermostat by even just a few degrees can cause an increase in an energy bill.

Use rugs to insulate the floor – put a large area rug on hardwood floors to better insulate your apartment floor.

Lock windows/doors to reduce air leak – When the heating system is operating, close and lock all windows and outside-facing doors. Close exterior sliding storm windows. Locking doors and windows creates at tighter seal and reduces air leaks.

How Degree Days Impact Your Energy Bill

What is a degree day?

A degree day is the measure of how cold or warm a location is. It compares the mean outdoor temperatures for a location to a standard temperature, usually 65°F.

How do degree days impact my energy bill?

In most cases, a billing cycle with a higher number of degree days will cause your bill to be higher than usual. This is because your HVAC system must work harder to heat or cool your apartment.

How can I prepare for a billing cycle with a high number of degree days?

In the summer, keep your thermostat around 78°F. Open your windows at night to allow cool air to flow through your apartment. In the winter, keep your thermostat around 68°F. Remember – it is more cost-effective to bundle up and add layers than it is to turn up your thermostat!

Temperature Tracking

Your heating system will have the largest impact on your energy bill this winter.

The greater the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperature, the harder your heating system must work to keep your apartment at a comfortable temperature. For example, it costs more to keep your apartment temperature at 65°F on a day when the outdoor temperature is 20°F, compared to a day when the outdoor temperature is 35°F.

Below is a graph of average outdoor temperatures in Columbus, Ohio over the past three months. As you can see, the trend line shows that outdoor temperatures have been gradually decreasing since September. This means that your heating system is working harder to keep your apartment at a comfortable temperature. If you notice an increase in your energy bill during the winter months, it is most likely due to your heating system working harder to combat the colder outdoor temperatures.

Winter Energy-Saving Tips

The U.S. Energy Administration (EIA) predicts that home heating bills are likely to be slightly higher this winter. The increase in heating bills is due to higher prices in heating fuels.

At Red Energy, we care about our customers and want to ensure that we provide the necessary information to prepare you for the projected higher fuel costs this year. Here are a few ways you can take more control over your energy consumption to potentially lower your bill this winter:

1. Control the temperature

Set your thermostat to 68°F when you’re at home, and lower the temperature at night or when you’re away. The largest portion of your energy bill this winter will be based on how you choose to heat your apartment.

2. Let the sunshine in

Open draperies and shades to allow more sunlight and heat in during the day. Close them at night to conserve heat.

3. Use exhaust fans sparingly

Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans sparingly. They can quickly pull warm air from your home.