Metro Detroit weather: DTE shares tips to save money while staying warm
DETROIT (FOX 2) - A freezing start to the week means more Michiganders will be cranking the heat up in their homes, using a lot of energy.
Monday's high will struggle to reach 10 degrees, with wind chills remaining below zero all day. Heading into Tuesday and Wednesday, it will be even colder.
Wind chills are forecasted to be between -15 and -15. Some areas could see this number dip as low as -25.
What you can do:
Meanwhile, more energy can mean more money leaving your pocket by the end of the billing month. But, DTE Vice President H.J. Decker says he can save customers some energy and money.
"You can run your thermostat at around, we think around 68°, as sort of an optimal temperature setting," said Decker.
He also says customers could even set it a little lower at night and just use an extra blanket.
The next thing is to check if your windows or doors are letting in the cold. Decker says there is a way to help fix this problem.
"It’s relatively easy to get some, what they call weatherization tape where you can put it over a crack or a place where you can feel cold air coming in the house," he said.
And finally, customers should check their furnace, including filters that may need to be replaced. Decker says the dirt build up could make your furnace have a harder time to run.
For those who are having a difficult time paying their bills, there is a way around that, according to Decker.
DTE secured over $140 million of energy assistance for customers who had difficulty paying their bills in 2024 alone.
"You can reach out to some of our partner agencies that we work with to get funding for energy assistance. Some examples of those are Salvation Army, United Way or True North," he said.
Customers can contact DTE by tapping here.
Meanwhile, many Metro Detroit schools are closing due to the frigid weather.
Check the school closings list here.
The Source: FOX 2 talked with DTE Vice President H.J. Decker.
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