Winter Heating Tips
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Smart Steps to Stay Warm without Breaking the Bank
Winter weather often brings a chilly surprise in the form of higher energy bills. Heating your apartment or condo can account for more than half of your electricity usage during colder months. The good news? Taking a few proactive steps can reduce your energy consumption and ease the strain on your wallet.
Simple Ways to Save:
Adjust your thermostat – Lowering it by 1 degree can cut heating costs by up to 3%.
Service your furnace – Clean filters and routine maintenance help your system run more efficiently.
Seal and insulate – Weatherproof windows and doors to keep the cold air out and the warm air in.
Optimize ceiling fans – Run them clockwise to circulate warm air that rises to the ceiling.
Adjust your water heater – Lowering the temperature can reduce energy usage without compromising comfort.
Heating Methods Matter:
Electric Resistance Heating – Found in baseboard heaters and space heaters, this method directly converts electricity into heat. While practical for small spaces, it’s one of the least energy-efficient options and can significantly increase energy bills. If you use portable space heaters, follow safety guidelines to avoid fire hazards or electrical overloads.
Standard Heat Pumps – A more efficient option for multifamily homes, heat pumps consume less energy than electric resistance heating. However, their efficiency drops in colder temperatures, especially below 30°F.
Watch “Understanding Your Heat Pump” for practical advice to keep your home warm and your energy costs under control.
PECO, Columbus Utilities to Increase Prices in 2025
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently reminded consumers that energy supply prices for all PUC-regulated electric utilities adjusted on December 1, 2024. According to the PUC’s notice, PECO residents’ prices changed nominally from 9.244 cents per kWh to 9.273 cents per kWh.
According to a December 4 news report by WCMH in Columbus, residents of Ohio’s capital city and surrounding suburbs will see an increase in utility bills in 2025. Water bills for those residents serviced by Columbus City’s water system will see water bills increase by about $13.67 per quarter, or $55 annually. Likewise, customers of the city’s Division of Power can expect an increase of $5.85 to $8.90 in their monthly electric bill, which amounts to about $70 to $107 annually, the station reported.
As a reminder, NEP is required to ensure that residents are billed at or below the amount they would have been charged under the local utility’s standard service offer for the same usage.
Check Your Rate
Ohio residents can easily verify the accuracy of their NEP bill for their metered electricity portion of the bill. by visiting the Utility Rate Survey Dashboard provided by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our resident support experts at 877-818-2637, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm EST.