With a few steps, you can get your home ready for winter and manage your energy usage and bills. Explore DTE’s Bill Analyzer Tool to review insights and daily usage graphs that track the habits contributing to your bill.
Understand what impacts your winter energy bill
- Regardless of your fuel source, your furnace needs electricity to help keep you warm. You may also use electric space heaters, which use a lot of energy and increase your monthly bill.
- Temperature swings can impact your heating equipment. It will work harder and longer to maintain the same temperature. Colder weather and shorter days mean you’re spending more time indoors and using more energy.
Winter-ready tips for your heating systems
If you have a gas OR electric forced-air furnace:
- Seal air leaks around your doors and windows – simple steps like caulking, or using low-cost, clear plastic window sheeting is an effective way to keep warm air in and cold air out.
- Replace your furnace filter before winter hits to keep your system running efficiently.
- Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule— you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling costs by simply turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
- See if you’re eligible for rebates. Seal in comfort and save up to 10% on annual energy costs. Get up to $600 in rebates when installing energy efficient insulation. Learn more at dteenergy.com/insulation.
If you have electric baseboard heat:
- Keep your baseboards clear by moving furniture, curtains, rugs and other items away from your baseboard heaters, allowing heat to circulate properly.
- Clear away dust and debris before heavy winter use. Turn off the heater and let it cool before cleaning the heating coils at least once a year.
For more ways to reduce your energy use, visit dteenergy.com/saveenergy to check out these and other DIY tips. For resources to help you manage your winter energy costs, visit dteenergy.com/keepwarm. If you’re having trouble paying your bill, contact us as soon as possible so we can connect you with the help you need before winter hits. Visit dteenergy.com/help for more information.