Colorado winter is in full swing, which means a swing from perfect temperatures to extreme cold. Use the three-day weekend to get your home as energy efficient as possible, so you’ll be nice and cozy indoors when the freezing temperatures roll through.
When expecting sub-zero lows, it’s a good time to remind customers about monitoring energy use. It is important to remember your bill reflects your home’s electric and gas use – the more energy-efficient, the lower the bill. During winter months, energy use is much higher. This is especially true when we experience a cold snap, which leads to our first efficiency tip.
Lower the thermostat
If you usually have your thermostat set higher during mild to warm days, it’s a good idea to save energy by lowering it during a cold snap. Heating systems work overtime because of extreme cold, by dropping the thermostat a few degrees it will help your system maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. You might have to wear a sweater to offset the change.
Seal the draft
Use the warmer days before the cold weather to caulk or weatherstrip doors and windows. Don’t let money escape through leaky gaps around your home. Air sealing a home helps all year by keeping warm air inside during the winter, and hot air outside during the summer.
Check air filters
Dirty or clogged air filters add stress to a heating system. With low temperatures a furnace is already working around the clock, help it breath by swapping out the air filter. These filters should be routinely replaced every 1-3 months.
Use the sun
If the sun is peeking out of the clouds, open curtains and blinds to take advantage of natural heat from windows facing south.
Avoid frozen pipes
If you’re concerned about frozen pipes, open cabinet doors with access to plumbing-especially if they are against an exterior wall. The air that heats your home will help keep those pipes warm. You can also purchase affordable pipe insulation from a local hardware store that easily fits around the water lines for added protection.
Letting a faucet drip can also protect exposed pipes. To avoid waste, catch the dripping water in a bucket and save it for another purpose.
Safety
Only use proper heating systems or small appliances made to heat a home. Do not use ovens, stoves or barbecue grills. Not only are those devices a fire hazard but a carbon monoxide hazard as well. Leave the heat to a furnace or space heater (follow manufacturer’s safety guidelines when using space heaters).
Final tip
Energy use can be tracked using tools on our website under “My Account.” You can also find information about assistance programs for paying utility bills and a full explanation of utilities rates.
Now you’re ready to control your energy use for this cold snap and the rest of the winter season… and part of our spring season.
