Why Is My Energy Bill So High in Winter? Understanding Common Causes.
A common question and comment Pioneer’s marketing and energy use specialist hears from co-op members is: “Why is my bill so high? I haven’t changed anything in my home.”
This question usually arises after the first cold spell of the season, when temperatures drop significantly and then warm back up again, leading to unexpected changes in energy usage. Even if you haven’t intentionally changed your habits, something in your home may have started operating differently or running longer without your awareness. Let’s review some potential reasons for higher energy bills when the weather gets cold:
Well pumps
Your well pump may be running more than usual. But how can you tell?
- Inspect the solenoid valve on the pressure tank; it could be stuck in the "on"
position. - Use an amp probe to measure the electrical current and determine whether the
pump is running continuously.
If your pump runs nonstop, it could consume approximately one kWh per hour of electricity.
Sump pumps
Heavy rainfall or groundwater may cause your sump pump to run more frequently. Ensure the water is being pumped away properly and that the pump isn’t stuck in continuous operation.
Septic system aerators
If your septic system includes an aerator pump, it might have been turned on or become stuck in the “on” position, leading to increased energy consumption.
Portable electric heaters
Did you start using a portable heater to warm a specific room? These heaters can significantly increase your energy use if left on longer than intended or forgotten altogether.
Heat pump operation
Heat pumps are efficient but rely on auxiliary backup systems for colder temperatures. If the backup system is electric, it may be consuming more energy than expected.
Check for:
- Improper thermostat settings that cause frequent or large temperature fluctuations.
- Auxiliary heat kicking in at temperatures higher than necessary. Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature helps heat pumps operate efficiently and avoid over-reliance on auxiliary heating.
Increased time indoors
Shorter days and colder weather often mean more time spent inside. This can lead to increased energy use for:
- Lights left on longer
- Cooking or baking more frequently
- Longer, hotter showers
- Working on indoor projects that require tools or appliances
Wood-burning stoves
If your primary heat source is a wood-burning stove, ensure any backup electric heating systems, such as baseboard or ceiling cable heat, are turned off or disconnected at the breaker. Rooms not directly heated by the stove may still activate electric heating.
Additionally, some wood stoves have electric components, such as air handlers with heating coils, which might be operating without your knowledge.
Outbuildings or seasonal items
Check for items in outbuildings, garages, or campers that may have been plugged in and forgotten. Examples include space heaters, refrigerators, or other appliances left running.
Use SmartHub to diagnose energy use
SmartHub offers valuable tools to monitor your daily energy usage and pinpoint potential issues. Here’s how you can use it effectively:
- Nighttime usage: Review energy consumption during the middle of the night, when your household should be at its lowest usage. High usage at this time may indicate something running continuously.
- Temperature-related spikes: Compare energy usage to outdoor temperatures. Significant spikes during colder periods often point to heating-related issues.
- Consistent high usage: If your usage graph shows steady, high consumption throughout the day, it’s likely something is running constantly or has been left on.
SmartHub’s new enhanced data can also break down your prior month’s energy usage by category, providing further information about where your energy is used most.
If you have questions after reviewing your data, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you better understand your energy consumption and manage your costs.
