Conservation Tips: Ways to Keep Bills Affordable!
Winterize To Keep Your Costs Down
As the temperatures start to drop, we recommend you winterize your home. Below are some suggestions to help with energy conservation and winterization.
- Caulk or weather strip around doors and windows. A rolled up towel is an inexpensive way to stop drafts.
- Set your thermostat at 68 degrees or less. Dress in warm clothes (such as sweaters and sweat shirts). If possible, lower the temperature when you go to bed or are away from the house.
- On sunny days, open the curtains to allow the heat from the sun to penetrate. When the sun goes down, close the curtains.
- Replace window screens with storm windows to provide an extra layer of protection and warmth for the home.
- Ensure the filter in your heating / cooling system is replaced on a regular basis. A dirty filter impedes air flow and reduces efficiency.
- Check registers and radiators to ensure they are not clogged with dust.
- Reverse the direction of the ceiling fan to push warm air downward and force the air to circulate. (Note: As you look up at the fan, the blades should be turning clockwise. The opposite is true for the summer time.)
- Wrap any exposed water pipes to keep them from freezing and possible damage to the pipes.
Keep Cool During The Summer
Summer time means higher temperatures; this generally means we run our air conditioners more.
However, there are some things you can do to keep your electric bills affordable and stay cool during the hot, summer season. Consider using the following conservation measures:
- Keep your thermostat set at 78 degrees. If you're going to be away from home, set it higher.
- Do your cooking and laundry during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are generally not as hot.
- Use ceiling or floor fans to circulate the conditioned air. Using fans makes the air feel cooler to the body which allows you to set your thermostat to a higher temperature.
- Clean dust from supply and return air grills.
- Change filters monthly. However, if you have pleated filters, change these at least every three months.
- Keep curtains closed on the sunny side of your home.
- Install programmable thermostats to help manage your kilowatt usage.