Winter temperatures have dropped across the country, and extreme cold increases monthly energy accounts.
In December, 40% of Monthly inflation is increasing It is attributed to an increase in total energy costs. Exclusive CNET research has shown that most households expect to pay 688 US energy accounts during the winter months (December to February), with households in the northeast expecting an average of $ 804 for the season.
It's not surprising Wael canyAn older research associate for the diversion of America. The claw is attentive to household energy costs, and he has increased by 30% over the past four years.
As energy costs increase, six out of 10 (62%) of adults in the United States expect their Bill for winter energy They will squeeze their finances. Currently, 11% of adults in the United States (falling apart to approximately 28 million Americans) are already lagging behind their energy accounts, the survey said.
“Winter energy costs could be a burden on households, especially depending on where they live,” Canye said.
If you fight allow yourself an energy accountThere are steps you can take to reduce costs without sacrificing your comfort.
Here's how people expect to pay this winter, expert cost -saving and resource solutions to get help if you are struggling to pay high energy bills.
Average winter energy costs for energy
Last summer, The US Energy Information Office They found that adults in the United States paid an average of $ 135 a month among the top 10 countries with the highest electricity bills. Winter energy costs increase monthly accounts even more.
Depending on where you live, costs can exceed this amount. Northeast residents expect to pay close to $ 288 on average. Those living in the south of the United States expect the lowest energy accounts, with almost $ 220 a month.
Like this winter energy accounts affect us adults' finances
About 62% of adults in the United States expect this winter energy accounts to tighten finances. Here's an overview of how they plan to afford their energy accounts:
What increases energy accounts?
A few Factors can affect your winter energy accountIncluding the make -up of your home, the type of fuel you use and how much you pay for it.
Canj said that most of your energy account is not from running your devices or lights – how much will it cost to warm your home. It is also How You heat your home – such as the devices and the fuel you use.
The climate of your area can also affect the temperature of your thermostat and how often you perform the oven. Although time is out of your control, there are steps you can download Reduce energy costs.
How adults in the US plan to stay warm and reduce energy costs
Most of the energy saving efforts below can help reduce the account, but only to some extent depending on the devices and atmosphere of your home. There is also a chance you will need to make other long -term efforts to reduce your account. Here's an overview of how adults in the United States remain warm while hoping to reduce energy costs.
Some of these measures can help you reduce your energy bill, while others are not so efficient, Canye said. For example, using a Smart thermostat And lowering the temperature of your home while you can save energy and save you money. However, Reid said that you can still save on your energy account if you are able to run a lower winter temperature, even for a few hours a day while at work.
“In winter, the best way to keep your heating bill is to keep your thermostat at 70 degrees or lower,” Reed said.
However, you should not lower your thermostat to an unpleasant or unsafe point, the claw warned.
“There is a limit how low you need to set your thermostat in winter. You want to make sure your home is still warm that the water pipes will not freeze, creating a huge headache and expensive repairs, or you will be too cold for comfort,” Said Reed.
Space heaters are usually heated with Electrical resistanceAnd it can warm up a small space – as a room in your home without increasing your energy bill. “If you only need to keep part of your home warmer at a time, consider using space heater while maintaining the main thermostat setting lower,” Reid said.
Space heaters are a great way to warm up one part of your home, As long as you use them safely. However, if you use more space heaters, you could end up increasing your electric account, Canj said.
Read more: We made math and found money saving with a space heater
Out of lowering your thermostat and using a space heater, the claw recommends insulation and Supremeizing your home To keep the heat inside and prevent cold air leakage to make the most impact on your energy account. Check how well your doors and windows are sealed prevent the heat from being dropped. And make sure it is an attic, basement and walls.
Long -term energy saving steps you can download
It may not look like much that you can do to drastically reduce energy costs right now, but there are a few steps you can take to help save money in the future.
Long -term energy saving steps you can download
It may not look like much that you can do to drastically reduce energy costs right now, but there are a few steps you can take to help save money in the future.
Upgrade your home devices: If your devices are not energy efficient, it may be time to upgrade. If you're not sure if your camera is effective, look for it Label for Energy Starwar. These products meet the requirements for government efficiency and can save money on your account.
Consider a heat pump: If your oven is close to the end of its life expectancy, the claw recommends installing a Heat pump Like your heating and cooling system. Heat pump uses air and water to control the temperature of your home, and savings can add up to $ 1,000 a year, claw said.
Get a home energy revision: You can make an appointment a Revision of Homemade Energy with your utility provider. The evaluator will examine your home room per room and review past energy accounts to identify energy saving updates. Energy audits can cost several hundred dollars, but costs can be sought as a tax loan.
Take a look at solar community programs: You may have access to solar energy without installing panels on your roof. Some areas have a close solar farm. Paye salaries part of electricity to use, but you can save money on your monthly account.
Some Energy efficiency Recommendations may seem expensive, but Canye noted that there are loans and discounts at the state level to reduce costs in advance on some energy efficient devices. The Weather Assistance Program uses funding from the Ministry of Energy to cover energy efficient repairs and updates. The review of America can create A. Personalized Electrification Plan To show you the estimated savings by switching power saving devices.
What to do if you can't afford to pay your energy bill
If you can't afford to pay your energy bill, there are available help programs. First, Kanj recommends checking to see if your utility provider offers a utility assistance program. For example, residents of South Carolina who have “Duke Energy” can qualify for help from Share the Fund for Light To cover a fee for re -connecting, deposit accounts and energy. Your utility provider may also have payment and assistance plans depending on your eligibility.
Some energy providers also offer maturity date, payment plans for payment and service moratories to prevent shutdown during the colder months. For example, Moratorium on Duke Energy Electrical Service It can prevent the service from being excluded between December 1 and March 31 for 30 days – with extension every 30 days – if you meet certain criteria.
Other federal utility assistance programs can help, including Low -income home energy assistance programwhich offers assistance to cover energy accounts, atmosphere and repairs and crises related to energy. Eligibility depends on the state, income and size of the household.
Methodology
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from Yougov. The total size of the sample was 2,531 adults, of which 1,777 paid their home energy bills. The field work was undertaken between January 7-9, 2025. The research was conducted online. The figures are weighted and representative of all adult American adults (18 years of age and older).