PASCO, Wash.-With the first winter storm of the season hitting the region, the Franklin PUD is reminding residents of some winter energy saving tips and will be holding Winter Weatherization Workshops on Dec. 8.
As the weather gets colder homeowners are more likely to crank up the heater, which can have an effect on your bill. These simple steps from the PUD can help keep your home warm and lower your energy costs this winter.
Check your attic and crawlspace insulation to ensure that it meets energy efficiency standards, you should have between 12 and 18 inches of insulation.Maintain your heating system by scheduling a service call and ensuring filters are changed regularly, this will avoid overuse of your system.If you have baseboard heat, make sure you don’t block it with furniture or anything else.Install a smart or programmable thermostat, this will allow you to preset times and temperatures.Take advantage of the heat from the sun, you can open south-facing curtains to allow sunlight to heat your home.Wash full loads of laundry and ensure you are using cold water.If your water heater is in an uninsulated area such as a basement, using a water heater blanket can save up to 17% of energy use.Find and eliminate drafts around your home. Drafts, or air leaks, can come in through windows, fireplaces and even electrical outlets, making your house feel several degrees colder and driving up your heating bills.Seal around doors. If you can see light coming in around the door, it needs to be sealed with weather stripping or a door sweep.Lower your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. We recommend 68 degrees in the winter.Install window treatments and keep them closed to provide another layer of “insulation”.Close fireplace dampers when not in use and close crawlspace vents.Install low flow shower heads to limit the amount of hot water used.Set your hot water heater temperature to a maximum of 120 F.
Various sessions are available for the Winter Weatherization Workshops on Friday, Dec. 8 to help residents prepare their homes for winter and to learn about energy efficiency hotspots in the home, how and where to weather strip and information about heating systems, according to a PUD press release.
Residents can also contact PUD energy experts at 509-412-4148.
