With colder weather on the horizon, many homeowners are thinking about how winter could affect their monthly energy bills.
The good news? You can take steps now to help reduce energy use, improve your home's comfort and make monthly bills more predictable throughout the heating season. The best time to prepare for winter is before temperatures drop and heating demand increases.
5 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter
1. Stop Warm Air from Escaping: Seal gaps around doors and windows with caulk or weatherstripping.
2. Help Your Heating System Work Efficiently: Replace or clean HVAC filters regularly.
3. Adjust Your Thermostat: Set your thermostat between 68 and 70 during the day and lower the temperature while you’re away or sleeping.
4. Make the Most of the Heat You Already Have: Reverse ceiling fans to a clockwise rotation to circulate warm air.
5. Reduce Unnecessary Energy Use: Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees.
Looking for More Predictable Monthly Bills?
In addition to improving energy efficiency, customers can manage their bills by enrolling in the Oklahoma Natural Gas Average Payment Plan (APP). The program spreads natural gas costs throughout the year, making monthly bills more predictable. For many customers, APP can make budgeting for winter energy expenses easier and help reduce surprises during the coldest months of the year.
Get Winter Ready
Preparing now can help you use less energy, stay comfortable and better manage winter heating costs before colder weather arrives.
Visit our Winter Ready page for additional energy-saving tips, payment assistance resources and information about the Average Payment Plan.
Why Prepare Before Winter?
- Improved home comfort
- Lower energy use and heating costs
- Easier-to-predict winter bills
- Greater peace of mind