Kelly Lady

Marketing and Energy Services Manager

One thing you can always bet on in Minnesota is that it is going to get cold in the winter. For most home owners (and home renters!) that can mean higher heating bills as we work to keep our homes warm and comfortable. It’s a time for holiday celebrations that can also add to energy costs as we cook our celebratory meals, hang decorative lights and entertain in our homes.

During the winter your utility bill can be one of your biggest expenses. Sometimes people think they don’t have any control over their heating costs, but there are many low cost ways to save on energy during the winter while maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. Let’s talk about three simple things you can do that don’t cost you anything but can actually earn you money back in the form of lower energy bills.

1. We may not see a lot of it during the winter but use the sun for free heat when it is available. Open your curtains on the south-facing windows during winter days to bring free heat from the sun into your home. Be sure to close window coverings when the sun goes down to keep the heat inside.

2.  Bundle up with warm accessories. A cozy winter sweater and some slippers can go a long way to keep you warm. Keep blankets on your couch to use when you are sitting around. If you have ceiling fans, be sure to switch them to the clockwise position on low speed to gently push warm air down.

3. Adjust your thermostat at night and when you are away from home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save about 10 percent per year on your heating bills by turning your thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours per day. Those are savings that can really add up. Consider investing in flannel sheets and a warm comforter for your bed and keeping your apartment cooler when you sleep. Bonus tip: use a programmable thermostat to turn the heat back up before you get out of bed and get at $25 rebate from AU.

That’s it, three simple things you can do to save energy that don’t cost a single thing. But if you ARE investing in holiday lighting, be sure to decorate with LED lights and earn rebates from AU on your new LED lighting purchases. They use at least 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than older, incandescent lighting. In addition to consuming less energy, LED lights don’t emit as much heat and are more resistant to breakage, making them a safer alternative. Bonus tip: Always unplug your holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

Have a safe and happy holiday as we continue to make Connections for Better Living.

Austin Utilities is a municipal utility serving approximately 12,300 electric customers, 10,300 natural gas customers, and 9,000 water customers. Their mission is to offer utility products and services in a safe, reliable and responsible manner in order to enhance the quality of life in our community. For more information about Austin Utilities visit their website at www.austinutilities.com.