The Impact Cold Weather Has on Your Electric Bill
“Why did my electric bill jump so much? I’m not doing anything different and my thermostat is set at 68 like it always is.”
We’ve been getting inquiries like this a lot lately. It’s a perfect time to explain how the cold weather in January and February has directly impacted your electric use, and as a result, your bill.
Why Your Winter Electric Bills Might Be Higher Than Expected
As we navigate the colder months, you might notice a spike in your electric bills, even if your thermostat hasn’t budged from its normal 68 degrees. Let’s explore why this happens, focusing on the concept of degree days—a key factor in understanding energy use—along with other household factors that increase energy consumption.
Degree Days Explained
Degree days measure the demand for heating or cooling relative to outside temperatures. They compare the day’s average temperature to a baseline—usually 65 degrees, the point at which no heating or cooling is typically needed.
- Heating Degree Days (HDD): On a day when the average temperature is below 65 degrees, the difference is calculated as heating degree days. For instance, if it averages 55 degrees, that day counts as 10 HDD (65 – 55 = 10).
This winter, degree days in January and February were significantly higher than in December, indicating much colder conditions. January notched 627 degree days and February 634, compared to December’s 559. This means your heating system worked harder and longer to maintain indoor warmth against the increased cold outside—leading to higher energy consumption and, consequently, higher bills.
Other Contributing Factors in Your Home
In addition to your heating system working overtime, other factors in your home can lead to increased electric use during colder months:
- Water Heating: The colder the water entering your home, the more energy it takes to heat it to your desired temperature.
- Increased Lighting Use: With shorter daylight hours, homes tend to use more lighting during the winter.
- Use of Portable Heaters: Many households use portable heaters for additional warmth, especially in rooms that aren’t served well by the main heating system.
- Appliance Usage: Spending more time indoors can lead to increased use of appliances, such as ovens, which are often used more during the colder months for cooking and baking.
We understand that higher bills can be a concern. By knowing how cold weather affects your electric use, you can better manage your energy consumption and more effectively anticipate heating costs during exceptionally cold periods.
