Take The Chill Out of
Winter Bills By Amber Bentley Between holiday guests and shorter, colder days, electric
bills tend to climb in the winter. Follow these tips to save energy when the temperature drops.
• Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees (or lower): Decreasing the temperature by just one degree can save you up to 5 percent on heating costs. Consider a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature when away from home and increase temperature 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 drafts.
• 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. Also consider replacing water heaters that are more than 12 years old with a newer, more energy-efficient model.
• Seal and insulate: This is the best way to keep heat in and air out. Areas that may need sealing include corners, cracks, door frames, and windows.
• Consider replacing old appliances, doors, and windows with ENERGY STAR-rated models: You can save about 15 percent of your normal energy use with these more efficient appliances. ENERGY STAR-rated items
Protect Your Home From Electrical Fires
The Safety Foundation International and National Fire
Protection Association teamed up to offer safety tips to help protect your family.
Safety should always be the top
priority when working with electricity. ESFI recommends that a qualified, licensed electrician perform all home electrical work in compliance with local and national safety standards.
Consider having your circuit
breakers replaced with arc fault circuit interrupters, which provide enhanced electrical fire protection by detecting dangerous arcing conditions. Make sure all electrical panel circuits are properly labeled. Always replace
Sealing cracks and gaps around doors and windows is a great way to keep winter drafts at bay.
Source: Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives
meet special efficiency 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 flow.
• Keep food cool: Don’t make your fridge work too hard. A temperature set between 34 and 37 degrees Fahrenheit is usually sufficient.
• A special holiday tip: Use LED lights to decorate. They’re up to 75 percent more energy efficient 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
EnergysSavers.gov or
TogetherWeSave.com or
harmonelectric.com for more ways to save.
Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 6-12. to Electrical
fuses or circuit breakers with the correct size and amperage. Keep area around the electrical panel clear so you can easily shut off power in an emergency. Every month, use the TEST button check
that ground fault circuit
interrupters and arc fault circuit interrupters are working properly. Know warning signs of an electrical
problem, such as outlets and switches that are warm or make crackling, sizzling, or buzzing noises. Regularly check and do not use cords,
outlets, switches, and appliances that show signs of damage. Do not use extension cords on a permanent basis, and never use them with space heaters or air conditioners. Avoid overloading outlets. Do not use lightbulbs that exceed
the recommended wattage of the light fixture or lamp. Despite your best efforts at prevention, a fire could still happen. Prepare your
family for a safe escape. Install smoke alarms and test them monthly.
Create
a family fire escape plan and practice it relentlessly. Pick an easy-to-find meeting place outside and a safe distance from your home.
If anyone in your household is deaf,
or if your own hearing is diminished, consider installing a smoke alarm that uses a flashing light or vibration to alert you to a fire emergency.
Visit
www.esfi.org for more home electrical safety information
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