This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Take the Chill B


Out of Winter Bills By Amber Bentley, NRECA


be prepared for winter W


Safe Use of Electric Heating


etween holiday house guests and shorter, colder days, electric bills tend to climb in the winter. Read


on for ways to save energy when the temperature drops. Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees (or lower): If


you decrease the temperature by just one degree, you can save up to 5 percent on heating costs. Consider a programmable thermostat that you can set to lower the temperature when away from home and increase before you come back. Adjust blinds and curtains: Keep them open to let in


sunlight during the day, and close at night to keep heat inside and protect from draſt s. Reduce hot water temperatures: Heating water


accounts for 12 percent of the average home’s energy use. Set your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees or lower—that’s usually suffi cient for a household’s hot-water needs. Also, if you’ve had your water heater for more than 12 years, you might want to consider replacing it with a more energy-effi cient model. Seal and insulate: T is is the best way to keep heat in


and air out. Areas that may need sealing include cor- ners, cracks, door frames, and windows. Consider replacing old appliances, doors, and win-


dows with ENERGY STAR-rated models: You can save about 15 percent of your normal energy use with these appliances and get better insulation on doors and win- dows for the price you pay. ENERGY STAR-rated items meet special effi ciency standards set by the federal government. Free your vents: HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air


conditioning) systems will have to work twice as hard if vents are blocked by rugs, furniture, or doors. Keep vents clear for proper air fl ow. Keep food cool: Don’t make your fridge work too


hard. A temperature set between 34 and 37 degrees Fahrenheit is usually suffi cient. A special holiday tip: Use LED lights to decorate.


T ey’re up to 75 percent more energy effi cient than traditional incandescent lights and last much longer— but check for an ENERGY-STAR rating before you buy. Cheaper LEDs tend not to last as long or be as durable. Visit www.EnergysSavers.gov OR www.TogetherWe- Save.com for more ways to save. ■


10 - Northeast Connection


Products Add Winter Warmth Electrical Safety Foundation International


hen used properly and safely, electric blankets and other heating devices can help keep you


toasty during cold winter months. Here are a few safety tips for electric blankets and heating pads to keep in mind: • Purchase items only if they have been approved by an independent testing facility, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). • Inspect all cords and connections for cracks and frayed edges, which are a huge fi re and injury hazard. Replace blankets or heating pads with faulty cords. • Discard your blanket or heating pad if you see dark or charred spots on the surface. • Do not put another cover on top of an electric blanket unless the safety instructions included in the packaging specifi cally state it’s safe to do so. Some new- er models protect against overheating. • Once your electric blanket or heating pad is switched on, keep it laid fl at—a folded device can cause a fi re, as can a blanket that’s been tucked in (which can bend wires). • Never use heated bedding while asleep—look for a model with a timer that switches off automatically.


SPACE HEATERS If you choose to use a space heater to supplement


your home’s heating system, some of the same rules of thumb apply, including purchasing a safety-certifi ed model and reading the included safety instructions. More tips for space heaters: • Keep units 3 ſt . away from combustible materi- als—such as bedding, drapes, clothes, and rugs. Space heaters also have parts that can spark, so avoid using them in areas where you store fl ammable liquids like kerosene and gasoline. • In general, plugging space heaters directly into a wall outlet is best. If you must use an extension cord, make sure it’s the correct type and boasts the right wire gauge size for your particular space heater. Otherwise, use a wall socket that can handle the load. • Check safety instructions before using a space heater around water—some models are not intended for use in bathrooms. • Be sure children are supervised around space heat- ers. Curious exploration can lead to electrical shock and burns. • Finally, unplug and store the space heater in a safe place when you’re not using it. ■


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