Winter is here, Connecticut!
Understand how to manage your usage during the colder months.
How the cold weather affects your usage
Cold weather plays a major role in increasing your usage, which can have a big impact on your bill. Understand how:
During colder months, your heating system has to run longer to maintain the indoor temperature. Lowering your thermostat by a few degrees can help you save, but finding a comfortable temperature for you and your family is important.
When it’s cold, colder water enters your water heater, which requires more energy to heat. That’s why the shower takes longer to get to that sweet spot.
Spending more time at home can lead to higher energy use for heating, lighting and appliances. We also love to watch TV on a Sunday with a cozy blanket and some hot cocoa!
Older or less efficient heating systems, as well as poor insulation or drafts around windows and doors, can cause your heating system to consume more energy. To help you have a brand new (and efficient!) heating system, check out our rebates.
Manage your energy usage
We help you to keep track of your usage and manage your energy bill.
Energy Analyzer
Check out our Energy Analyzer, your go-to tool for precise energy tracking. Monitor your usage by the hour, see the effects of weather and understand how your appliances impact your bill.
Budget Billing
With Budget Billing, you can say goodbye to unexpected bills. Get billed a stable amount every month based on your past year's consumption, making it easier to plan your budget.
Tips to reduce usage
A few adjustments in your routine can make a big difference.
Unless you have a heat pump, making small changes to your thermostat can save you a lot! Keeping the temperature at 65° during the day can reduce heating use by up to 15%.
Consider installing a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat. You can lower temperatures when you and your family are not at home. Don’t miss our thermostat selection on the UI Smart Solutions page.
Look for and seal any leaks in your ductwork. A simple roll of duct tape from your local hardware store will work, but for a professional touch, duct sealing is fully covered in our Home Energy Solutions service.
Clean your filters or replace them once a month to increase performance. Efficiency is key to reducing consumption!
Roll up a small rug or towel and place it across the bottom of your door to prevent cold air from sneaking in. Check for drafts in windows as well.
Close heat registers in rooms you’re not using, but ensure the temperature stays above freezing to protect your pipes. It’s cold out there!
If you use electric heat, think about upgrading to a high-efficiency ductless mini-split heat pump system, which can reduce electricity use by up to 40%. You can even get rebates when buying a new one! Check out our Cost-Efficient Heat Pump Incentives in Connecticut.
Set your water heater to 120°F. Many are preset at 140°F, which uses more energy than necessary.
Switch to high-efficiency LED lighting. LEDs use 90% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. Check out our selection and of course, turn lights off whenever you leave a room.
Use the air-drying option on your dishwasher instead of heat drying, or simply open the door and let the contents air dry. If it’s about time to get a new one, don’t forget to look for ENERGY STAR® products.
Avoid opening your oven to check on your food. Use the oven window instead. Remember: patience is a virtue!
Do you know that many devices consume energy even when they are on standby? Use advanced power strips to eliminate that!
Pro-tip: We'll make it easy
If you'd like us to visit your home and explore ways to help you save, check out our Home Energy Solutions service.
Need help with your bill?
We understand that managing a higher bill during the winter can be challenging. Visit our Help with Bill page to learn more about the assistance programs available for our Connecticut customers.