January is when many homeowners across Central Iowa open their electric bill and do a double take. After a month of running the heat through cold nights and below-freezing mornings, December’s energy use finally shows up, and the total is often higher than expected.
Even homes that felt comfortable all month can see a noticeable jump in costs.
At Lenz Heating & Cooling, this leads to one of the most common winter questions we hear from homeowners in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Altoona, Clive, Waukee, and nearby communities:
“Why is my electric bill so high, and what can I actually do about it?”
The good news is that winter energy bills aren’t random. They usually come down to how your heating system operates, how it’s set, and how well your home holds onto heat.
Here’s a clear, homeowner-friendly look at why winter electric bills rise in Iowa and what actually helps bring them down.
Quick Answer: Why Electric Bills Rise in Winter
Electric bills are higher in winter because heating systems must run longer and work harder to keep homes comfortable during cold weather.
In homes with heat pumps or electric heating, winter energy use increases due to:
- Longer heating system run times
- Higher or frequently adjusted thermostat settings
- Heat loss through insulation gaps and air leaks
- Use of auxiliary or backup heat, which consumes significantly more electricity
Why Winter Electric Bills Spike in January
In Central Iowa, many homes rely on electric heating systems, including heat pumps. While heat pumps are very efficient most of the year, winter operation works differently.
Here’s what typically causes January bills to climb:
- Heating systems run longer during extended cold stretches
- Heat pumps may rely on auxiliary or backup heat
- Thermostat settings are adjusted more frequently
- Homes lose heat through insulation gaps and air leaks
Understanding these factors is the first step toward controlling winter energy costs.
The Big Factor: Heat Pumps and Auxiliary Heat
If your home uses a heat pump, this section is especially important.
Heat pumps work by moving heat rather than creating it. In mild winter conditions, they’re very efficient. But when outdoor temperatures drop well below freezing, as they often do in Iowa, the system may activate auxiliary heat (sometimes called backup or emergency heat).
Why Auxiliary Heat Increases Electric Bills
Auxiliary heat:
- Uses electric resistance heating
- Consumes far more electricity than standard heat pump operation
- Often runs during cold nights or long heating cycles
Many homeowners don’t realize auxiliary heat is running because the home still feels warm. The biggest clue is usually the electric bill.
What You Can Do
- Avoid sudden thermostat increases
- Make temperature changes gradually
- Have your system inspected to ensure it’s operating efficiently
A properly maintained heat pump relies less on backup heat and runs more efficiently overall.
Other Common Winter Energy Drains
Even if your heating system is working correctly, your home itself plays a big role in energy use.
Air Leaks and Insulation Issues
Small gaps around:
- Doors and windows
- Attics
- Basements or crawl spaces
… allow warm air to escape and cold air to sneak in. Your system then runs longer to make up the difference.
Dirty Air Filters
A clogged air filter:
- Restricts airflow
- Forces longer run cycles
- Increases overall energy use
This is one of the easiest fixes homeowners can handle themselves, and one of the most commonly overlooked.
Deferred Maintenance
Heating systems that haven’t been serviced recently tend to:
- Run less efficiently
- Struggle to maintain temperature
- Cost more to operate
Routine maintenance helps catch small efficiency issues before they turn into bigger energy drains.
Simple Ways to Lower Your Winter Electric Bill
If your January bill caught you off guard, start with these practical steps:
- Change your air filter
- Keep thermostat settings steady
- Avoid large temperature swings
- Seal obvious drafts
- Make sure vents and returns aren’t blocked
- Schedule a professional system check
Small adjustments can make a noticeable difference over the course of the winter.
When High Bills Point to a Bigger Problem
Sometimes a high winter bill is more than seasonal usage.
- Your bill is significantly higher than past winters
- Your system runs constantly but struggles to keep up
- You hear unusual noises or notice uneven heating
- Backup or auxiliary heat seems to run all the time
These issues usually don’t resolve on their own and can lead to even higher costs if ignored.
Winter Thermostat & Energy FAQs for Iowa Homeowners
What’s the best thermostat setting for winter?
For most homes, 68–70°F while you’re home offers a good balance of comfort and efficiency. Lowering the temperature slightly when sleeping or away helps reduce energy use.
Does turning the heat down at night save money?
Yes—if the change is modest.
Lowering the thermostat by 3–5 degrees reduces run time. Large setbacks followed by big increases can trigger auxiliary heat and cancel out savings.
Why does constant thermostat adjusting raise energy bills?
Frequent temperature changes force longer run cycles and can activate backup heat. Steady settings are usually more efficient.
Why does my heat seem to run all the time in winter?
Cold outdoor temperatures mean your system has to work longer to maintain comfort. Homes with insulation gaps or older equipment may notice this even more.
Can a smart thermostat help lower winter energy costs?
Yes. Smart thermostats help maintain consistent settings, limit sudden temperature changes, and adjust automatically based on schedules.
Why Central Iowa Homeowners Choose Lenz Heating & Cooling
At Lenz Heating & Cooling, we’ve been helping Central Iowa families stay comfortable and energy-conscious since 2009. We look beyond the equipment to understand how your entire system works inside your home.
What sets Lenz apart:
- Serving the Des Moines metro and surrounding communities
- Veteran-owned, woman-owned, and family-operated
- Friendly, certified technicians
- 24/7 emergency HVAC service
- RED, WHITE & BLUE maintenance plans
- Flexible financing options
Our goal is simple: help you stay comfortable without unnecessary energy costs.
Start Lowering Your Winter Energy Costs Today
If your winter electric bill raises questions, now is the right time to act. Small inefficiencies add up quickly, but they’re often easy to fix with the right guidance.
Call Lenz Heating & Cooling at (515) 225-6446 or schedule service online today
Lenz Heating & Cooling — trusted comfort solutions for Central Iowa homes.
