SPOKANE, Wash. – As temperatures drop across the Inland Northwest, the cost of staying warm rises. From winter gear to heating bills, the expenses can quickly add up.
Shopping for cold-weather gear in Spokane, one retail store on the South Hill offers winter coats for kids ages 7 to 10, ranging from $29.97 to $131.99. Adding beanies, crew socks, winter boots and gloves, the cost can range from $80 to $415.
For those seeking more affordable options, the NWC Thrift Store in Spokane offers secondhand winter gear at significantly reduced prices.
“When the weather hits is the time when you’re trying to find that extra cash for Christmas and that’s really hard for families. So I think it’s really lovely to be able to save a buck here,” said Tia Rose, the store’s manager. “When it comes to like what’s best for your family, it’s going to be at least half of the costs. Often, even better, because we have rotating deals.”
Comparing costs, the total for the same winter gear at the thrift store was just $21, a 75% difference from the retail store’s prices.
“You’re going to really help out your family,” said Rose. “The money stays local and you support a good cause. So it’s a win-win-win in my book.”
But the cost of staying warm does not start at the first step out the front door.
“Electricity cost absolutely keeps me from turning on my heat,” One NonStop Local viewer shared their struggle with utility costs. “I want to turn it completely off, but I have two cats and don’t want them to freeze completely. Even then, I feel bad that they’re in such cold weather.”
“Well, my overdue power bill says I’m not doing well,” said another viewer. “The heaters are only turned on if it gets below 60 degrees in the house.”
Meghan Pinch, Avista’s manager of energy efficiency programs, confirmed that winter is the highest bill season in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.
“It can go up as much as $280 a month. Mostly our average increase that we see for the average home is more like $180 a month,” said Pinch.
Regardless of cost, Avista says safety is the priority during the winter months. Avista offers several recommendations to keep bills low, such as sealing air leaks.
“You can waste between $200 and $400 a year according to the US Department of Energy, through air leaks,” said Pinch.
Pinch demonstration low-cost, do-it-yourself fixes to bring down your utility bill. Examples include window cellophane, light switch sealers, door sweeps, insulated drapes and weather stripping.
Another tip: asking for assistance when needed.
“We can help. We also know that bills are there, but they’re part of everybody’s budget, and life is expensive,” said Pinch.
Avista says if you are falling behind on your bill, now is the time to reach out. Additionally, there are several options for financial assistance weatherizing your home.
You can find more information on Avista’s website at these links: Comfort Level Billing, Payment Arrangements, My Energy Discount, Energy Efficiency Tools, Energy Efficiency Tips, Home Weatherization, Home Energy Audit , Rebates & Discounts.
