As the fall weather creeps in, now is the perfect time to prepare your household for the colder months ahead. Taking a few simple steps before temperatures drop can help you better understand your energy use, improve your home’s energy efficiency and avoid surprises on your winter energy bill.
Step 1: Look back to move forward
If last winter’s bill was higher than expected, reviewing your past energy use is the first step to understanding why. With the Bill Analyzer Tool, you can see a clear, holistic view of your energy usage, with quick insights and enhanced daily usage graphs that track the habits contributing to your bill. It helps break down energy usage patterns over time and highlights what influenced your bill most, whether it was weather, daily habits or changes in your routine.
Step 2: Use your insights to maximize energy use ahead of the colder temperatures
Once you know what contributed to your higher energy bills in the past, you can take simple steps now to help reduce usage and bill increases later. Preparing your home ahead of consistent colder weather can make a noticeable difference. Did you know that weatherizing your home can help save you up to 10% on annual energy costs? Sealing air leaks, adding insulation and addressing gaps where air escapes can help stop heat from escaping your home, so your heating system works more efficiently. For D.I.Y. tips and helpful resources to weatherize your home, visit Insulating & Weatherizing Your Home | DTE Energy.
Step 3: Choose payment options that support your budget
Understanding and maximizing your energy use is one part of staying in control, but you have a choice when it comes to managing your bill too. DTE offers payment programs designed to help you plan ahead, smooth out seasonal bill fluctuations and choose options that best fit your household budget. Explore available payment programs at dteenergy.com/billingprograms. If you need help paying your bill, please contact us as soon as possible so we can connect you with help. Visit dteenergy.com/help to learn more.
Remember, getting ahead of winter energy usage and bills don’t require drastic changes. A quick look back, small household adjustments and the right tools can help you prepare and not be surprised later.