A warm October could keep the electric bills high
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Warmer temperatures are back for the weekend after a week of fall-like weather.
According to the Climate Prediction Center, temperatures are expected to be above average for October.
Average highs typically fall from about 75 degrees on Oct. 1 to around 61 degrees by Oct. 31, according to daily temperature data from Rosecrans Memorial Airport.
Depending on how temperatures are forecasted over the next few weeks, it could still be warm enough to keep the air conditioner running — meaning some may continue to see higher energy bills.
In the Midwest, it’s not uncommon to turn an Air Conditioning unit off one day and back on the next, especially this time of year, when warm and cool air masses frequently shift,
"It's affecting my electric bill for sure because I'm turning it off and then turning it back on regarding the weather," said Jessica, a St. Joseph resident. "So like right now, like right now it's cool. I can have my windows open and it's nice and chill, but then as soon as it hits 80 again, I have to jump my air and recool my house."
Everyone prefers the temperature in their house to be a little different. Jessica said she likes her house at 68 degrees, while another resident, Chanel, prefers 72 degrees.
One way to keep from having to mess with your A/C is to use the weather to its advantage.
"You definitely want to utilize the coolness from outside. So if that's the case, then you want to open your windows at night and keep them open early morning," said Dwight Hangartner, a salesperson at HK Quality Sheet Metal, who specializes in heating and cooling. "But as the temperature starts to rise outside, that's when you'll want to go ahead and close up the windows."
As winter approaches, now is a good time to double-check a home’s energy efficiency.
Poorly insulated spaces allow air to move freely, causing warm or cool air to escape and outside air to sneak in.
If an HVAC system is more than 15 years old, Hangartner said, there are ways to avoid large costs associated with the system.
"Obviously, anything mechanical can break sooner, but do your monthly maintenance on it, which is just simply changing the filter out."
For those struggling with high utility bills, programs are available through local companies like Evergy.
Evergy's Income-Eligible Weatherization program offers free in-home upgrades, financial assistance to weatherize your home, expert guidance, reduced energy use and improved home health and safety.
