The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission provides consumers with energy conservation and safe heating tips as the cold weather approaches.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
Contact: Denis McCracken
January 06, 2015
HARRISBURG – With frigid temperatures forecasted for many areas of the state this week, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reminded consumers to prepare for the cold weather by reviewing conservation and safe heating tips.
Severe cold temperatures put extra demands on utility systems, but energy conservation helps. Try these energy-saving tips:
• Instead of turning up the heat, add an extra blanket or sweater, if your health permits.
• Use a programmable thermostat and set it to lower the temperature at night or whenever the house is unoccupied.
• 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.
For additional energy conservation tips, visit the PUC website.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than one-fifth of residential fires are related to the use of supplemental room heaters, including wood- and coal-burning stoves, kerosene heaters, gas space heaters and electric heaters, so before you put logs on the fireplace or plug in the electric heater, take some precautions. Also, never use an oven or stove to help heat your home. For a list of home heating safety tips, visit the PUC website.
To read the entire press release, click on the link below.
View this News Release (external link)