How to Lower Your Electric Bill During a Maine Winter (Advice from a Local Electrician)

If you live in Maine, you already know winter isn’t just a season... it’s a whole commitment! The boots, the shovel, the snowblower, the eternal question of whether the driveway really needs to be cleared again. And then, dare we say it: there’s the electric bill. For a lot of homeowners (when they aren't skiing or playing outside), winter is when the bill creeps higher and higher. We hear it every year from customers searching for a local electrician or Maine electrician: “Nothing changed, so why is my bill so high?”

The reality is that inter electricity use in Maine just adds up quickly, even if we don't consider supplier prices going up. Shorter days, colder temps, and heating systems running nonstop can push costs higher before you even realize it. BUT, there are some things you might be able to do about it. In this article, we'll talk about a few smart changes you might make to help lower your electric bill without turning your house into an ice shack.

Why Electric Bills Go Up in the Winter

Across Southern Maine and Central Maine, winter electric bills usually increase for a few common reasons:

• Lights are on longer because it gets dark so early

• Electric heat and heat pumps run more often

• More people are home, using more devices

• Extra appliances are plugged in

• And one big factor we see as residential electricians: space heaters

As a licensed electrician in Maine, this is one of the most common winter issues we run into.

Space Heaters Can Seriously Drive Up Your Bill

Space heaters feel like a simple solution, and I mean, in some ways, they're pretty convenient. All you have to do is bring it to the room you're in, plug it in, turn it on, done. Sadly, they’re one of the fastest ways to jack up your electric bill.

Generally speaking, most space heaters use about 1,500 watts. If you run one for several hours a day, it can potentially add $40-$80 per month to your electric bill. If you’re running multiple heaters, or leaving one on overnight, that cost can quickly climb past $80. We often get calls from homeowners for a residential electrical contractor to help them figure out why their bill suddenly spiked. Sometimes, it turns out that a space heater has been running nonstop for weeks or longer.

Don't get us wrong, space heaters aren’t always bad, but they’re best used short-term. Relying on them as a main heat source puts extra strain on both your wallet and your electrical system. We know that everyone's financial situation is different, but if you're able to have a different source as your main heat, then you should.

Simple Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill This Winter

You don’t need a full electrical overhaul to reduce winter costs (I know, we can feel your sigh of relief from here!). These small changes can make a real difference:

Seal drafts around doors and windows

Cold air leaks force your heating system to work harder. Weatherstripping and door sweeps are relatively inexpensive fixes that help keep heat inside.

Foam insulators

Something quick, cheap, and easy you can do is buying little foam insulator inserts for your cover plates to stop drafts.

Adjust your thermostat slightly or get a Programmable one

Lowering your thermostat by even a couple degrees (especially overnight) can reduce electricity use over time. If you can, getting a programmable thermostat is convenient because you can set it lower in the evening and overnight, and then it can go up automatically in the morning. Also, layering up indoors helps more than most people expect. Now, we're not suggesting that you wear so many layers that you look like a waddling penguin or a big marshmallow, but a sweatshirt over a long sleeve shirt is great! But don't let us stop if you if the marshmallow thing is, well, your thing.

Switch to LED lighting

If your home still uses older bulbs, switching to LEDs can cut lighting costs significantly. With lights on longer in winter, this can add up.

Have a family gathering

More people around means more body heat generated! Ok, we're kind of joking with this point, but we did want to remind you to make time for family this winter. Relationships are the heart of it all.

Your Heating System Plays a Big Role

Many Maine homes use electric baseboard heat or heat pumps. Heat pumps are popular for a reason since they're so efficient, but only when they’re properly installed and maintained.

As a Maine electrical contractor, we often see:

• Heat pumps struggling in colder temps

• Electric baseboards running constantly

• Systems pulling more power than they should

In some cases, a residential electrician can identify inefficiencies that are quietly driving up your bill.

Warning Signs You Should Call a Local Electrician

If your electric bill jumps suddenly and nothing obvious has changed, it’s worth having a professional take a look. Common warning signs include:

• Breakers tripping more often in winter

• Lights dimming when heaters turn on

• Certain rooms always colder than others

• Electric bills rising without a clear reason

These issues can point to electrical inefficiencies, and sometimes safety concerns. Either way, don't ignore it.

Helping Maine Homeowners All Winter Long

At Genesis Electric, we help homeowners across Maine understand where their electricity is going and how to use it more efficiently. Most high winter electric bills aren’t caused by one big mistake. It's usually the result of small issues stacking up over time: space heaters running constantly, aging wiring, inefficient heating systems, or simply not knowing how much power something actually uses.

If you’re looking for a local electrician near you, a licensed Maine electrician who is fully insured, or reliable residential electrical services, we’re always happy to help. You can send us a message by clicking here. Maine winters are long enough. Your electric bill doesn’t need to make them harder!