How to Save Money on Your Electric Bill in Winter While Using Room Heater & HVAC

The colder months often bring high utility bills, especially if you rely on electric room heaters or HVAC systems to keep the home warm. If you live in the north with harsh winters, you might have had the experience of opening the monthly bill only to be shocked by a sudden rise in the costs. It may leave you wondering, "How to save money on your electric bill in winter?" Thankfully, there are many ways to lower energy usage in winter and save money, such as adjusting the thermostat and using sunlight to warm the space during the daytime. 

In addition, a solar-powered generator can help you keep your home cozy by shifting the reliance from grid electricity to battery backup. Jackery Solar Generators are essential home backup solutions that can not only power critical household appliances like room heaters but also ensure you don't have to sacrifice your comfort during outages. Let's check out the detailed tips to stay warm in winter without overpaying for it:

Key Takeaways

• Room heaters, HVAC systems, water heaters, and electric dryers are some of the common energy users in the winter.
• Some simple habits like layered heating, smart thermostat settings, and optimizing natural sunlight can lower energy consumption and cut down your electric bills.
• Jackery Solar Generators can keep essential household appliances powered and reduce dependency on the electricity grid.

Why Electric Bills Are High in Winter

Winter electricity bills tend to be higher than summer bills because heating appliances like space heaters, HVAC systems, etc., consume more energy. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, heating uses more energy and costs more than any other system in the household, contributing to 29% of the total utility bill. 

In addition, winter months have longer periods of darkness and require more lighting, contributing to high bills. People also tend to spend more time indoors during the colder months, which means increased energy usage and bills. This, in turn, means more usage of space heaters and electric blankets, which can consume a lot of energy when left on for hours.

Winter Appliances That Drain the Most Power

As mentioned earlier, heating homes uses more energy than any other system, making up a large percentage of the utility bill. The water heater is the second-highest energy user in a household, consuming a considerable amount of energy. Other common appliances that contribute to the utility bill include washing machines, dishwashers, fridges, freezers, TVs, laptops, lighting, etc. 

How to Reduce Home Electricity Usage in Winter

When you think about how to save money on electric bills in winter, turning down the heat or switching off the lights might come to mind. In reality, there are many simple ways to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills without sacrificing comfort.

Adjust Thermostat Settings

According to the Department of Energy, adjusting the thermostat settings can save you up to 10% on heating costs every year. This is because the smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower the heating bill will be. Generally, it's a wise idea to set the HVAC thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F (20°C to 21.1°C) while you are awake. You can lower the temperature while you're asleep or away from home to save money.

Layered Heating Approach

Instead of heating the whole house, focus warmth where it matters. For example, you can layer your clothing and use heating pads, electric blankets, or small heaters in specific rooms. This targeted approach saves energy and enhances comfort. It is also one of the best ways to stay warm during a winter power outage.

Optimize Sunlight

If you have south-facing windows, consider opening them during the day to let the sunlight warm the interiors. You can also consider planting deciduous trees on the south-facing side close to windows. They will let light and warmth enter the windows during the winter. The Department of Energy also recommends covering drafty windows with a heavy-duty plastic sheet on a frame during the cold winter months.

Seal Your Heating Ducts

Central HVAC systems, heat pumps, and air furnaces have ducts that move air to and from the appliance. Sealing and insulating ducts is one simple way to improve the efficiency of the heating and cooling system by 20% or even more. According to Energy Star reports, you should consider sealing ducts running through attics, crawlspaces, garages, and unheated basements with metal-backed tape or duct sealant.

Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

Winter has more hours of darkness, with round-the-clock darkness in some parts of Alaska and the Arctic. This makes lighting essential in the winter months. According to the Department of Energy, lighting accounts for up to 15% of the home electricity usage, and switching to efficient LED bulbs can help you save on your winter bills. It’s one of the cost-effective DIY home heating hacks for winter.

Invest in a Solar Generator

One of the most effective ways to save money on utility bills is by investing in a solar-powered generator. Jackery Solar Generators are essential home backup solutions that run electric blankets, lights, humidifiers, and heaters without tapping into your grid power. You can charge the power stations during the day, use the stored electricity to power appliances during peak demand, and save on high-rate periods.

Lower Water Heating Bill

Water heating contributes 18% of the home's energy usage and 12% of the total utility bill. You can reduce your water heating bills by using less hot water, insulating the water heater and pipes, and turning down the thermostat. In addition, you can install thermostatic valves in the shower that shut off the shower once the water turns warm, saving you a lot of money.

Why Is My Electric Bill Still High Despite Thermostat Adjustments

If you've already adjusted the thermostat and you’re still wondering why your electric bill is so high, the following could be the overlooked issues: 

Poor Insulation and Old Windows: Cracks around windows and doors or poor ductwork sealing let warm air escape the home, forcing the HVAC system to work harder.

Over-Reliance on Portable Heaters: While portable space heaters are convenient to run, they can be expensive if used in multiple rooms for long hours. 

HVAC Issues: Clogged filters or dirty coils can lead to increased energy usage and high utility bills. Proper HVAC system maintenance is essential to ensure the appliance's appropriate functioning.

Peak Usage & Time of Use: Some utility companies charge high rates during peak electricity hours when the demand is highest. If you run heavy-duty or energy intensive appliances simultaneously during peak hours, it can significantly impact your bills.

Misuse of Ceiling Fans in Winter: If set in reverse (clockwise), fans can help circulate warm air. This pulls cool air up and pushes warm air down. If you use them incorrectly, they can make your space feel colder and force heating systems to work harder.

Jackery Solar Generators to Save on Winter Electricity Bills

Jackery is a global brand that manufactures solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. Investing in solar generators can reduce the reliance on the grid and drastically lower the electricity costs. In addition, an essential home backup solution ensures you will have access to power during outages. In fact, as per the Department of Energy, going solar can reduce the monthly utility bills and even keep lights on when the grid is down. Here are two of the best solar-powered generators from Jackery that can lower winter electricity bills and even help you prepare for a freeze:

Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is an essential home battery backup solution that features a large battery capacity. It can run large HVAC systems, water heaters, space heaters, lights, etc., with the help of clean solar energy. It also supports dual voltage compatibility that lets you power appliances operating at 120V or 240V. If you need more power to offset the electricity bills in winter, you can expand the battery capacity from 5kWh to 60kWh with add-on battery packs.

Appliances Running Time

• Space Heater (1800W) = 2.3H
• Water Heater (1500W) = 2.8H
• Refrigerator (400W) = 9.5H
• Washer & Dryer (2000W) = 2.1H
• Electric Oven (2000W) = 2.1H

Customer Review

"This is my second unit from Jackery. Love them. I bought the 5000-plus for backup for the coming storm season here in Houston. Mainly to run the refrigerator." — David Tanaka.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is another portable and powerful home battery backup that can offset partial electricity bills. It can run essential home appliances such as portable heaters, fridges, dishwashers, etc., during peak hours or when the grid is down. It features a foldable handle, pull rod, and double wheels for easier transportation around the home. It is also expandable in nature, helping you extend the battery capacity from 2kWh to 24kWh.

Appliances Running Time

• Portable Heater (1500W) = 1.1H
• Water Heater (1500W) = 1.1H
• Refrigerator (400W) = 4.0H
• Humidifier (500W) = 3.2H
• Dishwasher (1500W) = 1.1H

Customer Review 

"Awesome product. Have a few of the smaller ones, which are very handy. Sweet fit for house and car hauler to power lights and radio. Not as heavy as I thought, and wheels with a handle are a plus." — William Grimes.

FAQs

Can a solar generator reduce my winter electricity bill?

Yes. A solar generator can reduce winter electricity bills by powering home appliances with clean solar energy. It reduces reliance on grid electricity, leading to cost savings in the bills.

Why is my electric bill high if I only use space heaters?

Electric space heaters usually use a lot of energy, typically 1500 watts or more. Running multiple units or using them for long periods adds up quickly. They're suitable for short-term, localized heating rather than as a primary heat source.

Will a humidifier help me save on heating?

Yes, a humidifier can potentially help save on heating costs by making your home feel warmer at a lower temperature setting. Moisture in the air traps heat and helps your body retain warmth more effectively, leading to a more comfortable feeling with less heat.

Conclusion

Winter energy bills don't have to be a shock every year. Small changes like sealing up drafts, using a programmable thermostat, or following a layered heating approach can make a noticeable difference without costing a fortune. If you're looking for a long-term solution to the common question of how to save money on electric bills in winter, Jackery Solar Generators can be a great investment. They give you backup power for essential items like heaters or electric blankets without relying on the grid.