KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The weather is cold, prompting people across East Tennessee to turn up the heat and bundle up. At the end of the month though, all that extra heat may reflected on their energy bill.
The Knoxville Utilities Board, the primary utility company in the Knoxville area, said people can take several steps to lower their heating expenses and save some money during cold weather. One of the biggest tips is to avoid setting thermostats too high.
People should set their thermostats to the lowest temperature they can while still staying comfortable. KUB said that the best temperature for that is usually around 68 degrees during the winter.
Sealing leaks around windows and doors can also help prevent heat from escaping, putting less strain on HVAC units and preventing them from using excess energy. People should also examine their pipes and check for leaks. If a pipe is leaking, then water inside it could freeze during extremely cold weather, causing much more expensive issues.
Pipes should also be insulated to prevent them from bursting. In case frozen pipes end up bursting though, people should know where their main water shut-off valve is. By turning off that valve, they can prevent their home from flooding and causing even worse issues.
People should also open cabinet doors to let in airflow if they have pipes against exterior walls.
KUB customers can also track their utility usage online or through the KUB app, helping them track unusual spikes. They can also find resources to help with energy expenses online, such as the KUB Water Savers program and Project Help.