Alabama Power offers dependable tips for unpredictable temps

To say that Alabama weather fluctuates is an understatement.

Just last week, temperatures went from a sunny 70s on Sunday, to rain, sleet and snow on Monday, to lows below freezing on Tuesday and Wednesday, before bouncing back to the 70s on Thursday. More swings in temperature are expected this week.

 

In Alabama, about 7 in 10 households heat with electricity, compared to about 4 in 10 nationally. Monitoring and managing your usage can help minimize the impact of temperature swings on your power bill.

 

On a run of hot days, air conditioning runs longer. On cold mornings, electric heat can run hard. The equipment doesn’t care about the calendar or the budget. It responds to the temperature. Alabama homes average 1,143 kWh a month in energy use, compared to 863 nationally – about 30% higher. Alabama Power is freezing rates through 2027, so month-to-month swings in your bill are driven mostly by usage – especially heating and cooling.

 

When temperatures outside your home swing from spring-like afternoons to sudden cold snaps, small adjustments inside your home can make a big difference. We’re offering tips to help you keep comfortable while controlling your energy usage.

 

Match Your Energy Use to the Weather – Not the Calendar

 

It’s easy to fall into “winter mode” or “spring mode,” even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. On warmer afternoons, try delaying heating or cooling until the house truly needs it. On cooler mornings, use natural sunlight by opening blinds on south-facing windows to warm your space before adjusting the thermostat.

 

Heating and cooling can make up 50% or more of home energy use. If you want help figuring out what makes sense for your home, Home Energy Reports provide personalized insights and seasonal tips based on your actual energy use.

 

Use Your Home Like a System (Not a Switch)

 

During transitional weather, avoid treating your thermostat like an on-off button. Instead of chasing every temperature change, aim for steady settings and give your home time to respond. Frequent, dramatic adjustments can drive up energy use without improving comfort.

 

If you’re unsure how those adjustments affect your bill, My Power Usage in the Alabama Power app lets you see how weather and daily habits impact energy use, so you can spot patterns and make informed changes.

 

Watch for the Sneaky Energy Drains

 

Transitional months often mean longer runtimes for HVAC systems as they respond to frequent changes. Simple checks can help:

• Make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs.

• Replace or clean air filters so systems run efficiently.

• Use ceiling fans on low speed to help circulate air before turning on heating or cooling.

 

Find all our energy-saving tips for every season here.

 

Plan Ahead for Comfort – and Your Bill

 

Weather swings don’t just affect comfort; they can also show up on your bill. Keeping an eye on usage throughout the month can help prevent surprises later.

 

Using tools like My Power Usage and Bill Explainer allows you to understand and track changes as they happen, understand what’s driving them and adjust before costs add up.

 

Need support throughout the ups and downs of the season? Our Energy Assistant tool can help connect you with financial assistance, savings programs and more flexible options tailored to your household and needs.

 

Find all these resources and more at alabamapower.com/winter and download our free Alabama Power app for easy, on-the-go access to your online account and our energy-saving tools.

Thank you for sharing this valuable information with your audience. If you have any questions, please contact us at 205-257-4155.