The polar vortex that hammered the nation has caused record-setting low temperatures. Its frigid and dense air shrouded most cities, grounding thousands of flights and cancelling schools. The freezing temperature has not only disrupted daily life, it even raised the energy consumption rate of many households.

The Sacramento Bee reports that energy rates managed to shoot up due to the arctic chill:

"Panoramic Power was able to compile data revealing that off-hour energy consumption, incorrect temperature settings and inefficient equipment contributed to significant financial losses during the extreme cold snap."The "polar vortex" weather system that blasted North America with extreme cold resulted in financial loss for many businesses that did not have strategic energy management technology in place," said Yaniv Vardi, CEO at Panoramic Power."

The report adds that "[t]here was a 30 percent increase in off-hour energy consumption" and "[e]fficiency of heating equipment dropped by 30% during the peaks of the storm resulting in 30% excessive energy consumption during operating hours."

It's hard to tell when the US deep freeze will end exactly. It's also difficult to predict whether such calamity will come back to envelope America in cold weather once again. Nevertheless, ways of saving energy should already be in your mind to prevent any type of weather disturbance from burning a hole in your pocket.

In the future, you may want to heat or cool your house in a different way such as setting your thermostat to a recommended temperature or turning it down as necessary. To keep your air conditioning unit or heater functioning, you may want to regularly replace their filters. Furthermore, you may also install energy-saving windows from a reliable Fairfax replacement windows company.

This particular type of window comes with an energy-efficient glass, which is engineered to prevent cold or heat transfer in and out of your home. Its insulated frame is made of durable materials and multiple glass panes not only to increase your home's value but to lower monthly energy bills. You may seek assistance from a Fairfax, VA windows specialist like Roofing & More, Inc. for complete service and installation.

Don’t wait for the next storm or heat wave to raise your energy bill. Think of ways to save energy today because with an energy-efficient home, you can definitely increase comfort level and of course, save a lot of money.

(Article Information and Image from Polar Vortex Storms Attributed to Record Energy Consumption Rates and Device Malfunctions at Businesses across North America, The Sacramento Bee, Jan. 13, 2014)