The North Texas weather forecast includes dangerously low temperatures for a few days the week of Dec. 19. With the cost of energy already being increased by current inflation rates, it’s a great time to be sure you’re saving as much as possible on heating costs.
Being careful to use energy wisely can help reduce the consumption, and therefore the cost of energy bills. Atmos Energy offers the following energy saving tips at www.atmosenergy.com.
- Lower thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 58 degrees when you are away.
- Install a programmable or smart (Wi-Fi) thermostat to adjust temperatures automatically without sacrificing comfort.
- Lower water heater temperature to 120 degrees. Water heating accounts for as much as 25% of the energy consumed in homes.
- Change or clean heating unit filter regularly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Unplug electronic devices and turn off lights that are not in use.
- Reduce shower, bath time as it can account for 40% of home’s hot water use.
- Operate clothes washer, dryer and dishwasher only when full.
- Keep fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Leaving the damper open has the same effect as keeping a window open.
- If you have a pool, do not use the pool heater. Instead, run pool pump during the coldest part of the day to circulate water and prevent freezing.
- Atmos Energy offers rebates for high-efficiency natural gas appliances, energy-saving devices and weatherization upgrades for customers in parts of Texas.
- Insulate older windows using storm or thermal caulking and weather stripping.
- Plumbing and piping penetrations on the roof and sides of your house can cause some of the worst air leaks. Insulate around these openings, including the gaps around the chimney.
- Put water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets to reduce hot water use. Water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators can save up to 50% on hot water use. Also, fix leaking faucets; a drip once every second wastes 400 gallons of water a year.
- Check attic, crawlspace and basement to determine if it has the recommended level of insulation. Visit energystar.gov for recommended home insulation values.
- Avoid blocking vents and air returns with furniture, area rugs or draperies. Have heating contractor inspect and seal ductwork.
- Let in the sun’s warmth on sunny days by opening draperies and blinds; close them at night to insulate against cold air from outside.
- Have a qualified appliance repair or heating service company inspect gas furnaces and appliances annually.
ADDITIONAL NOTE:
- Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide(CO) is an odorless, colorless gas emitted when fuel is burned in cars, trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, natural gas ranges or furnaces. It can be poisonous to humans if it builds up indoors.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends replacing CO detector every five years and installing a battery-operated or battery backup CO detector in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of a home.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also advises buying a detector with a digital readout to best detect the highest level of carbon monoxide concentration.
Source: www.atmosenergy.com.