Days are turning cooler, which means your furnace soon will be kicking back in for the season. We’re sharing tips to keep your home comfortable without overheating your budget.
Circulate for Comfort
Make sure you’re getting the most from the warm air your furnace is pumping out.
- Be sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains so heat can circulate freely.
- Set a ceiling fan to rotate clockwise on low speed to force warm air down in occupied rooms.
- Clean your furnace filter regularly and replace it as directed by your HVAC manufacturer.
Set for Savings
One of the easiest, most effective ways to reduce your energy costs without decreasing your comfort is by setting your thermostat lower when you’re away or asleep. You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling costs by turning your thermostat down 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The department recommends setting your thermostat to 68-70 degrees while you’re awake.
Programmable thermostats can make setting up home and away schedules easy. Check out AEP Ohio’s Smart Thermostat Marketplace for savings.
Don’t Let Heat Slip Through the Cracks
Insulation and sealing can help you save on energy costs. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal any leaks or gaps around windows and external doors. You can also close curtains and blinds at night to seal out the cold and open them on sunny days to take advantage of the warming rays. And don’t forget to look up. As much as 25% of a home’s heat loss happens through the roof or attic so be sure to have it checked for proper insulation and ventilation.
Get HELP
Qualifying residential customers can get assistance in lowering their utility bills and improving the comfort of their home with free or low-cost energy efficient upgrades through AEP Ohio’s High Efficiency for Low-income Program. Find out if you qualify at AEPOhio.com/HomeUpgrades.
Monitor Your Usage With Your Energy Dashboard
Have you checked out your Energy Dashboard lately? It’s a free online tool that works with your electric meter to provide insights about your energy usage in 15-minute intervals. You can compare your usage month-to-month, see your day of highest usage, identify what uses the most energy in your home and get suggestions for how to save on your monthly bill.
See What Financial Assistance Options Are Right for You
AEP Ohio understands that financial hardships happen. Take the quick survey at AEPOhio.com/BillHelp to see what assistance options are available.
Average Monthly Payment (AMP) Plan
AEP Ohio’s Average Monthly Payment (AMP) plan spreads the costs of heating and cooling over the whole year. That means you pay roughly the same amount during the upcoming cooler months as you pay during the rest of the year, making bills more predictable.
Please note: AMP is only applicable to AEP Ohio charges. If you participate in Ohio Choice and want to enroll in a budget plan for generation charges, please contact your generation provider.
Ohio’s Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) helps eligible Ohioans manage their energy bills year-round. This plan makes monthly payments more affordable and sets up an on-time and in-full payment plan that reduces your outstanding balance. Payments are based on a percentage of household income and are consistent throughout the year.
Ohioans with a gross annual income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines that get their power from companies regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio — like AEP Ohio — are eligible for Ohio’s PIPP program.
Get more information or apply by visiting the Ohio Department of Development’s website or calling 800-282-0880.
