We all have our favorite season. Some people love crisp, cool weather and bundling up under a favorite blanket, while others prefer the warm temperatures summer brings and all the fun outdoor activities that go with it. 

But there’s one thing we can all agree on: High winter bills are never fun. Harrison REMC is here to help you find ways to manage your home energy use and keep winter bills in check. 

1. Mind the thermostat. This is one of the easiest ways to manage your home energy use. Setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (or lower) would be a great goal to reduce heating costs. You can add more layers of clothing and use blankets or even an electric heated blanket to keep you warm while your heating system maintains a lower temperature to save energy. Make sure you use electric space heaters sparingly, as they can be a fire hazard and if operated for long durations can possibly even increase your energy use, especially if you start using more than one space heater.
2. Button up your home. The Department of Energy estimates that air leaks account for 24% to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling a home. Caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors is another simple, cost-effective way to increase comfort and save energy. If you can feel drafts while standing near a window or door, it likely needs to be sealed. 
3. Use window coverings wisely. Open blinds, drapes or other window coverings during the day to allow natural sunlight in to warm your home. Close them at night to keep the cold, drafty air out. If you feel cold air around windows, consider hanging curtains or drapes in a thicker material; heavier window coverings can make a significant difference in blocking cold outdoor air. 
4. Consider your approach to appliance use. When combined, appliances and electronics account for a significant chunk of our home energy use, so assess how efficiently you’re using them. For example, if you’re running the dishwasher or clothes washer, only wash full loads. Look for electronic devices that consume energy even when they’re not in use, like phone chargers or game consoles. Every little bit helps, so unplug them to save energy.
5. See Use, Save Money. It’s important to monitor electric use so you can see how household behavior and new appliances impact your electricity consumption. Members can view their use by logging into their online account.  

Go to www.harrisonremc.com and click on “Account Login” to sign in. If you don’t have an online account, you can register for an account. View power use by clicking on “Daily Usage” in the left column.