How to Lower Your Electric Bill in Winter
Winter heating can push an electric bill up fast, especially during long cold spells. If you're trying to figure out how to lower electric bill in winter, start with the thermostat, then look for drafts, appliance habits, and other small loads that run every day. The good news is that many changes don't require a renovation. Renters can seal drafty windows, adjust the thermostat, and change how they use appliances. Homeowners have more options, such as insulation upgrades or a smart thermostat. And if a winter storm cuts the power, backup power can keep the essentials running until service returns.
Start With the Thermostat
Your thermostat has a direct effect on how long your heating system runs. A few degrees can make a difference over an entire winter, especially if you lower the temperature while you're asleep or away.
Set a lower temperature when you're home
Keeping the thermostat around 65 to 68°F can help reduce heating use while keeping the house comfortable. You don't need to make the room feel cold to cut back on energy use. The bigger savings can come from lowering the setting by 7 to 10 degrees for about eight hours a day. This can save up to 10% on heating costs.
Turn it down while you're asleep or away
There's little reason to heat an empty house to the same temperature you'd want while you're sitting on the couch. Lower the thermostat before bed, and turn it down when you're leaving for several hours. You can also make the change part of your normal routine. Lower it before bed, raise it again in the morning, and repeat the same schedule when you leave for work. A few degrees over several hours can add up across the season.
Consider a smart thermostat
A smart thermostat can make temperature changes easier if your rental agreement or home setup allows one. Some models can adjust the temperature based on whether you're home or away, so you don't have to remember every change yourself. If you're renting, check your lease before replacing the thermostat. EcoFlow's guide to smart thermostat savings also explains how geofencing can help manage heating use. Thermostat settings only help so much if heated air is escaping through gaps around windows and doors.
Seal Drafts Even in a Rental
You don't need to own the property to deal with obvious drafts. A few removable fixes can cut down on cold air coming through doors and windows without making permanent changes to the apartment.
Block gaps around doors and windows
Start with the spots where you can feel cold air coming in. Removable weatherstripping around a door or window can close small gaps, while a draft stopper can block cold air underneath an exterior door. Window insulation film is another option for older or drafty windows. It creates a temporary barrier that can reduce the amount of cold air reaching the room. These fixes are also easy to remove when you move.
Use curtains to hold in heat
Your curtains can help during cold winter nights. Close heavier curtains after the sun goes down to add another layer between the room and a cold window. During sunny parts of the day, open them and let sunlight warm the room. Then close them again as temperatures drop in the evening. It costs nothing and works alongside your normal heating routine.
Check whether the bill has another cause
A sudden increase in your electric bill isn't always caused by drafts. A change in usage, a heating problem, or another appliance running more often can push the bill higher. If your bill looks unusual, check why your electric bill is so highbefore assuming the windows are the problem. That can help you find the source before spending money on fixes you may not need. Once you've cut unnecessary energy use, the next thing to consider is what happens when a winter storm cuts power. A portable power station can keep essential devices running while you wait for the utility to restore service.
Backup Power for Storm-Related Outages
A winter outage creates a different problem from a high electric bill. A house can lose heat, the refrigerator can stop running, and phones or other devices can run out of charge while you're waiting for the utility to restore service. A charged portable power station can keep essential devices running during that gap. It can also be useful in an apartment where you don't have room for a larger backup system or a gas generator.
If your backup needs go beyond the basics, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max gives you more battery capacity and output to work with. That extra headroom can be useful for longer outages or larger appliances such as a refrigerator.
Beyond heating and outages, a few everyday habits can also help keep your winter electric bill down. Small changes to laundry, lighting, and plugged-in electronics can add up over several months.
Everyday Habits That Add Up
Once heating and drafts are under control, look at the smaller electrical loads around your home. A single appliance may not seem like much, but daily use over several months can add up.
Wash clothes in cold water
Heating water takes energy, so switching laundry to cold water can reduce the load from each wash. Unless a particular item needs hot water, cold cycles are an easy change to make. Air-drying clothes can cut energy use further. You don't have to do it for every load, either. Even using a drying rack for lighter clothes can reduce how often you run the dryer.
Unplug electronics you aren't using
Some electronics continue to draw a small amount of power when they're plugged in but switched off. These standby loads are often called phantom loads. You don't need to walk around the house unplugging every device every night. Focus on equipment you rarely use, or group several devices on a power strip so you can switch them off together.
Replace old bulbs with LEDs
LED bulbs use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last roughly 25 times longer. Start with lights that stay on for long periods, such as kitchen, living room, porch, or hallway lights. You can replace the rest as your existing bulbs burn out instead of changing everything at once. For more ideas, this list of ways to cut your electric bill covers other habits you can work into your routine.
Quick Wins vs. Bigger Investments
Some ways to lower your winter electric bill cost nothing. Others require an upfront purchase, so it helps to separate the two when deciding what to tackle first.
Quick, Free Fixes | Bigger Investments |
Lower thermostat when away or asleep | Upgrade attic and wall insulation |
Unplug electronics not in use | Install a smart thermostat |
Open curtains for sun, close at night | Add a home battery backup system |
Wash clothes in cold water | Switch to Energy Star-rated appliances |
Start with the free changes
Thermostat setbacks, draft stoppers, curtains, and cold-water laundry are easy places to begin. They don't require a contractor, and renters can make many of these changes without altering the property. Keep track of your electric bill from month to month as you make changes. Looking at actual usage can tell you whether a habit is making a noticeable difference.
Plan bigger upgrades around your home
If your bill stays high after the free fixes, look at the building itself. Poor insulation can make it harder to hold onto heat, while an older thermostat or appliance may use more electricity than a newer model. If you're considering solar or another larger investment, check how much solar panels can save before spending money. The right choice depends on your home, utility rates, available sunlight, and how much electricity you use.
Conclusion
Learning how to lower electric bill in winter starts with changes you can make today. Turn the thermostat down when you're asleep or away, seal obvious drafts, use curtains wisely, and cut back on unnecessary appliance use. These steps can reduce energy use without changing how your home works. If you live in an area that sees winter storms, keep backup power in the plan too. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus and EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max can keep essential devices running during an outage, giving you another way to stay prepared when the power goes out.
FAQs
What temperature should I set my thermostat to in winter to save money?
A setting around 65 to 68°F can help balance comfort and heating use while you're home. You can lower it further while you're asleep or away. Dropping the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees for about eight hours a day can save up to 10% on heating costs.
How can I lower my electric bill in an apartment I can't renovate?
Start with changes that don't require permanent work. Use removable weatherstripping, draft stoppers, and window insulation film. You can also lower the thermostat when you're away, close heavy curtains at night, wash clothes in cold water, and unplug electronics you don't use.
Does unplugging electronics really save money?
It can. Electronics that remain plugged in when they're not being used may continue drawing small amounts of electricity. Focus on devices you rarely use, or connect several items to one power strip so you can switch them off together.
Is it cheaper to leave the heat on low all day?
Keeping the thermostat lower while you're asleep or away can reduce heating demand compared with maintaining the same temperature all day. The exact savings depend on your heating system, outdoor temperature, home insulation, and how long you're away.
What uses the most electricity in a home during winter?
Heating is often one of the biggest sources of winter electricity use, particularly during long cold periods. Other major loads can include water heating, clothes dryers, cooking appliances, and frequently used electronics. Lowering the thermostat and reducing unnecessary loads can help bring total usage down.
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