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Don't let higher utility bills take you by surprise
We’re committed to helping you understand ways to save energy and money year-round, especially during record low temperatures. And we want to help you understand the impact of cold weather on your natural gas bill.
Colder weather typically means higher utility bills. That’s because when the temperature drops, it takes more energy to stay warm. This includes the amount of gas we use to heat our homes at the usual, preferred setting. Even your water heater must work harder to heat up the colder water coming from outside – ultimately resulting in higher usage and a higher monthly bill.
We've put together simple resources to help you during this time, including:
- Payment assistance options
- Resources on understanding your bill
- Simple ways to save energy and money (below)
With the recent extreme weather, you may have questions about the impact of that weather on your bill. Learn more about what goes into your monthly Spire bill.
If you're worried about how to pay higher winter bills, help is available through Spire's team of dedicated community support specialists. View all programs and apply today.
- Soak up the sun: Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day and let the sunlight heat your home. Then, close them at night to reduce the incoming cold from any drafty windows.
- Cover drafty windows: Install insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty to prevent cold air from seeping in around the seals.
- Adjust the temperature: On average, for every $100 you spend, you can save $10 on your energy bill when you set your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day.
- Find and seal leaks: Seal up any areas where air is coming in. More often than not, these leaky areas can be found around pipes that connect to the outside, chimneys, recessed lights in insulated ceilings and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. We also recommend using caulk or weather stripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
- Maintain your heating system: Replace your furnace filter once a month or as needed. Have your furnace serviced once a year to help keep your system operating efficiently.
- Let hot air flow: Always keep clutter away from registers, heaters and radiators.
- Keep cold air outside: Place a fabric seal at the bottom of doorways and windows.
- Expert tip: In a pinch, roll up a towel and place that under your doorway.
- Stay cozy by insulating and sealing outer walls, ceilings, windows, doors and floors.
- Let hot air flow freely by keeping clutter away from registers, heaters and radiators.
- Avoid the fall rush by having your furnace inspected in late summer or early fall.
- Keep cold air out by closing your fireplace damper when it’s not in use.
- Manage your home’s energy use even when you’re away with a programmable thermostat.
- Bonus tip: Find rebates for this energy-saving device by visiting our rebates and offers section.
- Save on water-heating costs by taking showers instead of baths.
- Conserve hot water by pre-rinsing dishes and clothes in cold water.
- Boil water faster by covering your pot.
- Heat water more efficiently with a water heater that’s the right size for your home.
- Use less water by only doing full loads of dishes and laundry.
- Prevent energy waste by never cooking with a flame that exceeds a pan’s width.
- Give your gas range a break and preheat the oven only when necessary.
- Cook vegetables faster by cooking them in a small amount of water.
- Maintain a consistent oven temperature by keeping the door closed. Each time it’s opened, it loses 20 percent of its heat.
Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat makes it even easier to save money and energy at home. You may even be eligible for a programmable thermostat rebate.