Why Are Tacoma Home Energy Bills So High This Winter?

This winter, many Tacoma homeowners are asking the same question:

Why are my energy bills suddenly so high, and what can I actually do about it?

 

Behind the Rate Hikes

Both Puget Sound Energy and Tacoma Public Utilities have approved rate increases for 2025 and 2026.

For many homeowners, that means:

 

  • About $11 more per month for a typical PSE electric customer
  • More than $13 per month total in Tacoma Power increases by the end of 2026

Utilities cite infrastructure upgrades, rising operating costs, and long-term system investments as the main drivers.
Put simply: even if your usage stays the same, your bill can still go up because the price per kilowatt-hour is higher than it was a year ago.

The good news: while you cannot control utility rates, you can control how efficiently your home uses energy.

 

Where Tacoma Homes Lose Energy (and Money)

Rate increases get the headlines, but inefficiency inside the home is often the hidden reason bills feel out of control.
Common energy loss points include:

 

  • Poor attic or wall insulation
  • Air leaks around doors, windows, can lights, and ductwork
  • Outdated or improperly sized HVAC systems
  • Clogged furnace filters restricting airflow

Heating accounts for the largest portion of a Tacoma winter energy bill. If your system is struggling or your home is leaking heat, you are paying for energy that never benefits you.

A professional energy evaluation can pinpoint exactly where your home is losing efficiency so you are not guessing which upgrade will actually lower your bill.

 

How to Lower Your Winter Energy Bill in Tacoma

Even small changes can help offset rising utility rates.

 

  1. Adjust Your Thermostat Strategically
    Lower the setting by 2–3°F when sleeping or away. Smart thermostats can automate this and often qualify for rebates.
  2. Seal Drafts
    Weatherstripping, caulk, and spray foam can dramatically reduce heat loss in older Tacoma homes.
  3. Replace Dirty Filters
    A clogged filter forces your system to work harder, increasing energy use and wear.
  4. Schedule Seasonal Maintenance
    A tuned-up system runs more efficiently, lasts longer, and reduces the risk of mid-winter breakdowns.
  5. Upgrade Outdated Equipment
    Older furnaces and heat pumps may waste 20–30% of the energy they consume. High-efficiency systems deliver the same comfort using significantly less energy.

 

What Help Is Available From PSE and TPU?

Both utilities offer programs designed to help homeowners reduce energy use and manage higher bills. Available support may include:

 

Many Tacoma homeowners are surprised to learn that upgrading equipment can qualify for meaningful utility rebates and federal tax credits under the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.
Eligibility and limits vary by improvement type, so it is best to confirm current requirements before filing.
You can review the official program details here: Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (IRS).

FAQ: Tacoma Energy Bills, PSE and TPU

Many households will see bills increase by several dollars per month each year through 2026, depending on usage and home size.

Both utilities cite infrastructure upgrades, rising operational costs, and inflation in materials and fuel markets.

Yes. In many homes, improving insulation and upgrading HVAC equipment can reduce energy usage enough to counterbalance typical annual rate hikes.

Compare usage year-over-year, change your thermostat schedule, replace your filter, and check for drafts. If the issue persists, schedule an HVAC inspection.

While small improvements help, the most significant long-term savings typically come from:

  • High-Efficiency Heat Pumps :Excellent for Tacoma’s mild but damp climate. They provide both heating and cooling efficiently.
  • High-Efficiency Furnaces: Modern gas furnaces convert more fuel into usable heat.
  • Targeted Insulation and Air Sealing: Keeping the heat you pay for inside your home.

Over time, efficiency improvements can more than offset typical annual rate increases while increasing comfort and indoor air quality.

Stay Warm Without Overpaying

Energy rates may be unpredictable, but your comfort does not have to be.
By improving efficiency, sealing leaks, maintaining your heating system, and exploring available rebates, Tacoma homeowners can take control of their energy use even as rates rise.

If you would like help evaluating your system and identifying the upgrades that make the most sense for your home and budget, our team at Pacific Heating & Cooling is here to help.

 

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