Xcel Energy Offers Tips to Cut Heating Costs During Deep Freeze

(KNSI) – As a polar vortex plunges the St. Cloud area into a deep freeze, Xcel Energy is giving customers tips to keep their furnaces from burning up all their cash.

The utility company says winter heating typically accounts for about half of a customer’s monthly energy costs, and small adjustments could come with big savings.

According to Xcel Energy, the single most effective way to save money is to lower the thermostat by just a few degrees. The company recommends setting thermostats between 65-70 degrees while home and dropping to 58 degrees when away. Each one-degree reduction can cut energy bills by up to 3%.

Other recommended strategies include opening blinds during the day to capture solar heat while closing them at night for insulation, ensuring exterior doors are fully latched to prevent heat loss, and running ceiling fans clockwise to push warm air down.

The company also suggests several longer-term improvements. Changing furnace filters monthly during winter can reduce heating costs by 5-15%, while improving home insulation could save up to 10% on monthly bills. Window sealing kits, available at most home improvement stores, offer an affordable way to prevent heat from escaping.

For water heating, Xcel Energy recommends lowering water heater temperatures by 10 degrees, while keeping them at least 120 degrees, which can save 3-5% on water heating costs.

Additional energy-saving tips are available by clicking here.

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