Contact: Priscilla Knight, 703-392-1580, pknight@novec.com
NOVEC offers quick, easy ways to stay warm and reduce energy bills
NORTHERN VIRGINIA – The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative's customer-owners have used more electricity and natural gas this winter than last year, according to NOVEC records.
"The cold winter weather has kept heating systems running overtime in homes and businesses," says Bob James, Business Development and Energy Services representative. "We want to give customers some quick and easy ways to reduce their energy bills and still stay comfortably warm."
Quick and Easy Energy-Saving Tips for winter:
- Set the furnace thermostat at 68 degrees or lower. Generally, leave a heat pump thermostat at a constant setting, but if the home is unoccupied for four or more hours, set the thermostat back five degrees. Wear sweaters and put extra blankets on beds.
- Replace heating system filters monthly. A dirty filter restricts air flow and thereby reduces efficiency and comfort.
- Set the water heater thermostat at 120 degrees.
- An open fireplace without glass doors draws heated indoor air up the flue. When the fireplace is not in use, close the damper as well as the glass doors.
- Insert foam rubber insulation pads under wall outlet and switch covers. Replace covers and push child-protection inserts into outlets to stop drafts.
- Even windows with storm windows may feel drafty. Apply weather-stripping around them. For the adhesive to work, outdoor temperatures must be 40 degrees or warmer. If it's too cold, fill air gaps with wool yarn or cording sold at fabric stores. As an extra wind barrier, cover windows with specially designed window plastic.
- Adhere weather-stripping around drafty exterior doors and attach insulating door sweeps for thresholds. For a temporary solution, push towels against doors to block cold air.
Hardware and home center stores sell the insulating materials and kits mentioned. Visit www.energystar.gov to see which products qualify for federal tax credits.
