This week's cooler temps are a reminder of what's coming. Prep now with these fall tips for a cozy, efficient home this winter.
Energy Efficiency
- Service the furnace – Schedule a check-up before turning the furnace on for the first time this season and replace filters monthly or as needed.
- Find and seal leaks – Caulk and weather strip around doors and windows to eliminate air drafts that make it more expensive to heat a home.
- Wrap up savings – proper insulation and air sealing will ensure your home is keeping warm air in all winter. Learn more about our $200 insulation and air sealing rebate.
- Close the fireplace – An open damper makes an easy funnel for warm air inside to escape, close the damper for better heating efficiency while the fireplace is not in use.
- Reverse ceiling fans – For hot weather ceiling fans should turn counter-clockwise, but for cold weather reverse fans to a clockwise rotation. This simple change pushes the warm air down and redistributes heat throughout the room.
- Natural heat – Open blinds or curtains on windows facing the sun for free heat during the day, close them at night to keep cool air outside.
- Set your thermostat – Drop the thermostat to a comfortable temperature to reduce excess heating. When asleep or out of the house, lower the thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees. A smart programmable thermostat can help automatically make those changes and can sync with a household’s schedule. Plus, we offer customers a $50 rebate on qualifying smart thermostats.
Water Efficiency
- Continue to be water wise – Support the wise use of water and reduce your number of watering days as the weather cools. Water lawns before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. now through Oct. 15.
- Fill washers – Wash only full loads in the dishwasher and clothes washer to maximize water use.
- Keep track of and fix the drips – One or two drops of water from a faucet may not seem like a lot, but they add up quickly.
Natural Gas Safety
- Call 811 to avoid calling 911 – Before any fall projects that require digging, call 811 to have Springs Utilities mark underground electric, gas and water lines. It’s free and it’s the law.
- Check exterior appliance vents – Critters, snow and ice can all be problematic by blocking air flow from appliances to vents outside the home. Check vents frequently to avoid furnace or other appliance issues.
- Keep an eye on pilot lights – If the water heater pilot light goes out, get it inspected immediately. Appliances not working properly are a leading cause for carbon monoxide issues.
Protect the pipes
- Can the grease – Fall means a lot of good food, but never put cooking grease down the drain. Grease can build up in pipes and cause a wastewater backup. Dispose of grease by wiping off surfaces with paper towels or pouring liquid grease into a can to be thrown in the trash can.
Preparing your home today will create an efficient safe space for tomorrow.