10/18/2020
As the weather gets colder, SAVE $$ if you have baseboard heat! Following a few simple guidelines can save you a tremendous amount of money on your electric bills this winter.
First, it’s important not to place furniture in front of baseboard heaters, especially large, obstructive pieces, like a couch or entertainment center. Keeping your baseboard heaters free from obstructions will increase the amount of heat that can move freely into the room.
Second, heating in “zones” or only in the rooms you occupy, saves energy. For example, keep the bedrooms cooler during the day and living room and kitchen cooler at night. If you have a spare bedroom not being used, close the door and keep it cool!
Close window treatments (mini-blinds and/or drapery) at night to keep the cold out. Open window treatments as soon as it lights up outside as the sun will do a better job of warming your house than the heaters.
Turn down/off heaters when you are away from home. In general, keep kitchen and bathroom on a very low setting, all others turned off. This will keep pipes from freezing and keep a basic, ambient temperature in your home, as well as keep your monthly bill low.
Finally, keep your eyes on the thermostat ($2.00 at most hardware stores). Sometimes we perceive we are cold but just need to throw on some slippers or a sweater to get warm. Keeping the temperature at 68 degrees while home is a good, energy-saving target. The cost of each additional degree increases your bill dramatically.
Each of these tips saves you a little. However, as you employ more of them, you will clearly see the benefit when you get your bill each month. Also consider going to a budget bill through WE Energies. Employing budget billing, helps spread the higher winter costs throughout the year and makes it easier to plan your expenses each month.