Electricity use typically soars in the colder months. Driven indoors by falling temperatures and shrinking daylight hours, we use appliances more – watching TV, microwaving pizza rolls, and occasionally (depending on your level of holiday cheer) setting up Clark Griswold-level light displays.

Veteran Power Moves readers may recall that we have, in years past, offered some year-round tips for energy efficiency, as well as a few hints focused specifically on the winter months. This time, we’ve dug a little deeper to find a few sneak thieves that could be stealing power and money without your knowledge – and we’re here to help you put the cuffs on them.

Turn that thermostat down

Sure, it’s tempting to crank the heat up when temperatures go down. But you’ll save power and money if you keep your home’s thermostat at a steady 68° degrees this winter (and keep your curtains open during the day to take advantage of the sun’s heat).

Winterize your hot water heater

If your electric water heater’s tank is already insulated with foam, then it’s got the protection it needs. However, if you have an older water heater that only has fiberglass between the tank and its metal cover, an additional fiberglass blanket wrap would be beneficial.

Don’t get soaked by your hot tub

If you’ve got a hot tub – well, first of all, congratulations, and we hope you’ll invite us over soon. In the meantime, we can help you save a few bucks this season. First, make sure you have a well-crafted, properly-fitting insulated cover. Second, keep the water temperature between 100° and 104° F when it’s in use. Third, use timed heating to save on expense when your tub isn’t in use. And fourth, read the rest of the tips on this page.

Keep engine blocks warm (and power bills low)

On seriously cold winter days, an engine block heater is a great way to warm up your vehicle’s internal fluids and help it start more easily. Unfortunately, that heater can also burn a lot of electricity. Instead of leaving it plugged in all night, consider using a clock timer that will activate the engine block heater two hours before you need to start your car, truck, tractor, or what-have-you. 

Save energy while watering livestock

Granted, this one doesn’t apply to many city dwellers – but if you live on a farm, you already know that livestock tank heaters use plenty of energy in the winter. So why not make that big heat lamp in the sky work for you? Insulate your tank and move it to a location with more direct sunlight – and look into a cost-saving solar-powered stock tank heater.

Saving is always in season

Can’t get enough energy-saving tips? Our friends at the Edison Electric Institute have come up with more than 100 ways to improve your electric bill. Consider it an early holiday gift from us – and one more way to arrest the electricity-hogging power burglars on your property.