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Residential : ENERGY-SAVING TOOLS : WINTER ONE-STOP
At MLGW, our purchasing strategy helps to secure reliable delivery of natural gas at the best rates possible. However, you can also play a role in the amount you'll pay for your winter heating needs. The two most significant factors in your heating bill are consumption and weather. By taking steps to prepare your house now, you can help control your heating costs this winter.
Here are some things to do:
Properly maintain and professionally service heating systems, appliances, stoves and fireplaces annually for efficient performance.
Install a programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day according to your schedule.
Inspect your ducts for leaks or tears. Leaking or disconnected air ducts can cause heated air into unheated spaces and add hundreds of dollars a year to energy bills.
Regularly change or clean the furnace air filter. Dirt reduces the air flow and efficiency if it collects on filters, fans and heat exchangers. Keep central heating air filters clean.
Caulk around exterior doors and windows. Rattling windows or fluttering curtains indicate the weather-stripping around the window needs to be replaced.
Use locks on your windows to make them tighter and draft resistant.
Weather-strip around doors leading to the outside, furnace and attic. Also cover through-the-wall air conditioners to prevent cold air from leaking into your home.
Install a water heater blanket. Follow manufacturer’s directions for safety.
Attach door sweeps to the bottom of doors leading outside.
Spray expandable insulation around holes near hose ports.
Install foam gaskets behind electric switches and outlet plates. Be sure to turn off power at the breaker before installing.
Install polyethylene plastic over windows to block out the cold.
Stop leaking faucets and toilets.
Install polyethylene plastic over the ground on a crawlspace.
In the winter, adjust your thermostat to 68 degrees. Remember: Each degree above 68 adds as much as 4% to your utility bill.
Dress in layers to trap body heat. At bedtime, lower the temperature and add extra blankets to the bed. Cover yourself with a blanket when watching TV or reading.
Make sure delivery and return vents are open in the rooms you use and closed in unused rooms. In a multi-story home, open vents on the lower floor and partially close vents on upper stories.
Keep curtains and blinds closed at night and on cloudy days to retain heat. Open them on sunny days to let warmth in, especially on the south side of your home.
Test carbon monoxide alarms.
Close storm windows and storm doors tightly. To block drafts around doors and windows, roll up towels and place them inside against the bottom of doors and windows.
Adjust your water heater temperature to 120 degrees or “warm”. Each 10 degree reduction can save you up to 5% on your utility bill.
Use your fireplace wisely. It makes your home look cozy and warm, but also pulls indoor, heated air up the chimney as the fire burns. Also, close your fireplace damper when not in use, unless you have gas logs. Check manufacturer’s instructions.
Limit the use of exhaust fans, since this rapidly drawn warm air outside. Don’t block your radiators or heating vents with furniture or draperies and keep them dirt and dust free.
Wrap exposed water pipes with insulation to prevent them from freezing.
If you will be away from home for more than four hours, lower the thermostat or turn the heating system off —unless there is a danger of freezing the pipes.
If extremely cold weather is forecast, leave faucets dripping slightly and open cabinet doors beneath sinks to circulate warm air.
Elderly people should set thermostats no lower than 68 degrees, dress warmly and drink plenty of liquids to avoid hypothermia. Remember to check on elderly relatives and neighbors frequently to monitor their health and safety.
Also, prepare your family to make lifestyle adjustments to ease the situation. Make sure they know that conservation has never been more important.
And prepare financially by controlling your consumption and planning ahead for higher costs that are coming this winter.
For more specific advice on how to prepare, call 528-4YOU for a free Energy Savers guide.
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