Colder months often mean higher bills. Check DTE's tips to spare your wallet this winter: Programmable Thermostat Install a programmable thermostat and set it at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower - the recommended setting for winter. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs. Check out our DTE Rebate Program to learn how you can get money back for buying a new thermostat. Changing Blade Direction I... read more

1. Move plants away from vents, radiators or drafty windowsMost plants aren't big fans of extreme temperature variations, so try to keep them away from spots that get either too chilly or heated. Position sun-loving, draft-avoiding plants on a side table near the window, but not directly on the windowsill. 2. Check the air humidityMany houseplants thrive in 40-50% humidity, but when the heat's blasting and the windows are closed, the moisture level in your home is likely much lower. The easiest solution is to buy ... read more

We take particular precautions when the weather turns cold and the days grow short. We wear coats, boots, mittens, and bring additional layers with us if we think the weather will become even colder. We do the same for our children when they head off to school as well. After all, no one wants their child to be freezing cold on the playground, right? Many dog owners live with the misconception that because their pets have a coat of fur, they can tolerate the cold better than us humans. This isn’t necessarily t... read more

The Winter Solstice, which is known as the shortest day of the year, happens this year at 11:28 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21. So now that winter is upon us, here are 8 facts about the December Solstice you might not know: 1. It happens at a specific time The winter solstice isn't the full day of Dec. 21, but rather occurs at a specific time. At that point, the sun is shining farthest to the south, directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. Of course, the sun isn't actually moving, the Earth is. At 12:11 p.m. ET, the North... read more

When it comes to winter ice around your home, the best defense against property damage and personal injury is a well-executed offense. Unfortunately, you can’t always be ahead of the weather, and if you’re facing the inevitable outcome of an ice storm or a blizzard, you need to know how to handle what’s been thrown at you. When ice forms over the eaves of your roof or along doors and windows, you are facing one of a number of potential problems. When water freezes, it expands. As I’ve told ... read more