CU-Winter months

Submitted by ReadLess4430 t3_yi9d9n in springfieldMO

I know winter is coming up and I don’t know what to set my house temp to, I don’t want my bill to be crazy high since the prices I will be going up but I also don’t want to freeze! The temp is set to 74 all year round, I use space heaters and wear warm clothes when I go to bed and through the day, but is there anything else I could be doing? I cannot afford I high bill this year I’ve looked at my bill from last year it was so bad but February. Any tips and suggestion?

Thanks

3

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

AnomalousBean t1_iuhubwl wrote

You keep the temp set to 74 and use space heaters, and you can't figure out how to lower your utility bill?

26

ReadLess4430 OP t1_iuhycdh wrote

Keep the rude comments to yourself. This is my second year in my house and I’m trying to lower my bill probably like everyone else is, I use 1 space heater for my office while I work.

−29

Dbol504 t1_iui1ahe wrote

That wasn't being rude, that was honesty. Best way to lower your utility bill is to use less utilities.

23

Numerous-Mix-9775 t1_iuiec9v wrote

74 is pretty high for most people trying to be mindful of the temperature in the winter - even when I had a newborn I kept it at 72, most years it’s 68-70. Space heaters are an energy hog. Start layering up. Put plastic over your windows. Use blankets if you’ll be sitting somewhere.

14

Toxarys t1_iuj3vog wrote

My dude. That's pretty high for winter. Turn that shit down to 68-70 and grab a throw blanket. These are the best months to save on that energy bill by turning the thermostat down.

8

417SKCFAN t1_iuhmw05 wrote

68 is common during waking hours, low 60’s to sleep.

16

jgj570s t1_iuhozwh wrote

Do not use space heaters…the most expensive way to heat anything! And keep it at 68 at night. A little higher during the day, if you want.

12

EdBlake1986 t1_iuiu0gs wrote

Normally yes but that also depends on the cost of natural gas being in a normal range, which it won't be this year.

3

jgj570s t1_iuiwncv wrote

You are right there! I put in a couple feet of insulation last spring, so hopefully that will help with my natural gas bill. CU does have pretty cheap electricity, but I bet it would still be cheaper to kick up the gas furnace. Of course, OP might have an electric furnace!

I’ve worked in renewable energy for over a decade and I’ve seen thousands of utility bills. The number one thing that you can do is weatherization and insulation. CPO can help w/ costs. After that, get a quote for Solar. If your credit score is above 650, you’ll qualify and reduce your bills by another 20 to 25% (until it’s paid off… And then it’s free).

2

tdawg-1551 t1_iuhsfk0 wrote

74 in winter? We do 65 and wear appropriate clothing around the house to keep the bills down. 2 out of 4 in the house run really hot, so they stay comfortable at 65 and the other two put on sweats around the house.

We have an electric space heater in the basement that keeps that area in check and the main heater (gas) barely comes on.

6

Dbol504 t1_iui1k71 wrote

When was the last time you had your home reinsulated in the attic and crawl space? My parents did that and it was a game changer for their home in the winter and summer.

4

Thatguyyouhatealot t1_iuhmuyf wrote

Get humidifiers. Moist air can be a lower temp and “feel” warmer.

3

The_E_Trifecta t1_iuhl2w7 wrote

You might also look into their average pay program. I hope they still have it. Basically if you've lived at the same address for a year they will average out your payments and you pay the same amount each month. The catch is at the end if you are over the estimate you will have to pay that. When I was on it I would look at my bill each month as in spring and fall I typically paid for more than I used but hot summers and cold winters balanced out my usage.

2

Wendypeffy t1_iuiy6ta wrote

They don’t make you pay the shortage in bulk. They recalculate your average use every 12 months and divide the shortage up over the next 12 months. It’s called “level pay”. It’s a game changer. Been doing it for 4 years.

1

Aimless78 t1_iui1a9t wrote

If you own your house CU does have a program where they can check for leaks around your windows and doors. I'm not sure if you have to qualify income wise or if it is available to everyone. They will also do it for renters but need landlord approval. They also have a program to insulate homes for lower income people.

As far as things you can do on your own, make sure your windows have a good seal of caulk around them, use fans (pointed at the ceiling) or ceiling fans (in reverse or winter mode) to bring the warm air away from the ceiling and towards the floor, and get a programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust for different times of the day. When awake have it set a little warmer and when away or asleep have it set cooler.

2

blu3dice t1_iui6mck wrote

If you live in an older home covering your windows with plastic helps stop cold drafts.

Try lowering your thermostat to 68. Turn it down lower when you'll be out of the house for a few hours.

2

Low_Tourist t1_iuig4v9 wrote

Check your windows for and doors for air leaks. A little caulk around the windows and some weather stripping around doors is cheap and can really help.

If you have vinyl plank floors or hardwoods, a really good pair of slippers does wonders. I have sheepskin slippers and they really keep my feet well regulated - not sweaty, not cold - and helps to keep the cold feeling of the floor at bay.

2

GinWithJennifer t1_iuhsrll wrote

While we're on this I'm homeless. Does anybody know where I can get hand warmers in bulk for cheap

1

elaborate_hoxha t1_iuj6wfs wrote

Solidarity Network has or will have hand warmers. They set up at Jenny Lind park (on South Street) every Monday at 2pm. They do cookouts and necessity distro.

2

GinWithJennifer t1_iujghhi wrote

Is this free to everyone? I need them to line my sleeping bag this winter. Also hoe frequently can I go? Don't want to be a bum and take all of them nothing.

2

elaborate_hoxha t1_iujh85j wrote

Yeah free for anyone. No means testing. They run on crowd funding so there’s not gonna be a mountain of free stuff. Not sure about lining a sleeping bag but hit em up and they can track it down for you.

1

tecate5 t1_iuhze54 wrote

Globally the price of gas is going down, I think the projections they used are out of date.

1

417SKCFAN t1_iuihwyy wrote

They are still up sharply compared to 2 years ago, $1.92 in September 2020, 5.16 in September 2021, 7.88 in September 2022. Futures are still sitting +80% over last winter at this point for natural gas.

2

tecate5 t1_iuittpc wrote

Didn’t know that. I just assumed that the futures would go down since gas is going way down.

1

Tess_Mac t1_iuih0zf wrote

If you have a damp basement try a dehumidifier, they make them especially for basements. CU has a billing program that gives you the same amount each month. Depending on your income you might qualify for iLHeap, you can find information online. If you own your home you should consider having your ducts cleaned.

1

Shadow11Wolf50 t1_iuiny29 wrote

To keep my bill down the temp is set to 60 and cover my windows with pastic but thats the best i can do. I live in a really old house thats a rental by a up n coming slum lord. I cant even use space heaters if i wanted to thanks to the old sketchy electrical system.

1