We want to help you control your energy costs. Instead of reaching for the thermostat when it is bitterly cold outside, take a conservative approach to staying warm and keeping costs down. The following winter energy tips will help you save money and energy.

• Change disposable furnace filters every 30 days. The day you receive your bill from us in the mail can serve as a handy reminder that it's time to change the filter.



• Check your thermostat setting. For every degree you turn down your thermostat, you can save 3-5% on the heating portion of your monthly bill. Turn your thermostat down to 62-65 degrees at night or if you're going to be away from home for several hours or more.



• Check the caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows to keep cold air out and warm air in. (Caulking should be soft and without cracks for optimum performance.)



• Use draft stoppers at doors and windows.



• Put extra blankets on the bed.



• Close the dampers and doors in fireplaces when not in use, unless you have a gas fireplace.



• On sunny days, open drapes and blinds to allow the sunlight to warm your home. Close drapes and blinds at night to retain the heat.



• Turn down your water heater to a low or medium setting.



• If your water heater was purchased before 1990, add a water heater jacket (available from hardware or home improvement stores for $10 - $15) to save energy.



• The loss of daylight during the winter means turning on more lights at home. Compact fluorescent light bulbs last 13 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs, and they use 75 percent less energy.



• The air at the floor level is cooler than the air at the ceiling, so always wear socks and shoes in the winter.