Take Control of Winter Heating Costs

Homes use more energy to stay warm when temperatures drop outside. It’s why electric and natural gas bills go up in winter. It’s also why managing your heating system and stopping heat loss is so important this time of year. Here are some ways to take control of your home’s heating and energy usage:

1. Find Out What's Using Energy
Heating makes up 40-60% of winter energy bills. To save, you’ll need to know what else is using energy in your home. To help, we offer our Idaho and Washington customers a free home energy audit to learn how to lower usage. For our Oregon customers, we partner with Energy Trust of Oregon to offer online and in-person home energy assessment options. Learn more at myavista.com/homeenergyaudit.

2. Stop Heat from Escaping
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average home wastes $200 to $400 a year on energy lost through air leaks. Keep heat inside by caulking cracks, using plastic on drafty windows, and replacing old weatherstripping. Watch DIY videos at myavista.com/tips.

3. Use Your Heating System Efficiently
No matter what type of heating system you have, it will run more as the temperature outside continues to drop. The more it runs, the more energy it will use – and the more energy it uses, the higher your bill will be. Learn how to help it use as little energy as possible.

• Baseboard, Wall, or Space Heaters: Use only in occupied rooms and close doors to unused rooms, so you’re not paying to heat an empty space (as long as freezing pipes are not of concern).
• Forced Air Furnace: Keep filters clean and seal leaky ductwork to help heated air reach rooms throughout your house. Lowering the thermostat by three degrees can save up to ten percent, too.
• Wood Fireplaces: Close the damper when not in use to keep warm air from escaping out the chimney.