Energy Savings Tips

The fastest way to lower your energy bill this winter is to decrease the amount of natural gas and electricity you use to heat your home. Here are some low-cost or even no-cost tips that can result in big savings. For more information about many of the topics below, visit our Safety Tips.

• Furnaces should be checked before the start of the heating season by a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professional to make certain the furnace is safe and operating at its maximum efficiency.
• Consider replacing old, inefficient natural gas appliances such as furnaces and, water heaters.
• Use programmable thermostats properly to reduce heating costs.
• Minimized heat loss by installing storm windows and storm doors and using weather stripping and caulking around windows, doors and other openings. Also, close fireplace dampers when the fireplace is not in use.
• Clean or replace furnace filters once a month--more often in homes with cats and dogs.
• Use ceiling fans to push warm air down and circulate it around a room.
• Heating systems, especially forced air furnaces, dry the air in a home. Dry air feels colder than moist air at the same temperature. Use a humidifier to add the correct amount of moisture to indoor air, making it feel comfortable at a lower temperature.
• Install an insulation blanket around a water heater to reduce energy waste. Wraparound hot water pipe insulation retards heat loss. Water-saving showerheads can reduce hot water usage.
• Extend water heater life and improve efficiency by periodically draining the tank to eliminate the buildup of sediment.
• Close doors and heat registers in rooms that are seldom used.
• Lower the thermostat at night and use an electric blanket.
• Close drapes and shades at night to prevent heat loss.
• Request a tape on lowering your utility bills.