As summer heat fades and air conditioners go quiet, most Americans get a break from peak-season utility bills. But winter is coming, and with it, the increased cost of heating.
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**Get the best rate – **Check in with your provider. Some utility companies are letting customers switch from a standard rate, with a set cost per kWh, to a time-of-use rate, or TOU, incentivizing consumers to use less power during peak energy hours—a switch that can result in significant savings. Con Edison in New York, for example, lets customers switch to TOU, but requires them to remain on that rate for at least a year. XcelEnergy in Colorado will gradually move all of its customers over to TOU over the next three years.
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**Block the gaps – **Check your doors and windows to make sure they are properly sealed. Simple, cost-effective remedies like caulk and weatherstripping can lead to savings of 10% on total energy costs, according to EnergyStar.
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Install a smart thermostat – A smart thermostat allows you to increase or decrease the temperature in your home automatically, which can save a lot of money on heating and cooling costs—perhaps as much as 8-10% annually.
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