HARRISBURG, PA. (WPMT) The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission(PUC) reminds consumers that heating systems are working overtime to keep up with the extreme cold temperatures and offers tips to save money and energy.
During extreme cold temperatures furnaces and other heating systems may be using more energy, even though consumers have not turned up their settings. Residential consumers may be able to conserve energy and also save a few dollars on their natural gas or electric bills by following some simple measures such as:
- Set thermostats lower than usual, only if health permits.
- Turn off electric lights and appliances that you do not need or are not using.
- Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible. This includes overhead doors on attached garages.
- Seal off unused rooms. Close the floor or wall registers and return air vents, and keep the doors closed in those areas.
- Open south-facing window curtains, drapes and blinds during the day. Close coverings at night to keep the heat in.
- Weatherstrip and caulk windows.
Additional energy conservation tips are available on the PUC website.
