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Home : News : News
JBSA News
NEWS | Nov. 20, 2006

Save money by conserving energy

With the 101 critical days of summer behind us and cooler weather ahead, making seemingly small changes can have great impact on the monthly energy bill.

Electricity used in the home comprises the majority of an electric bill. Electric resistance heating, in particular, consumes very high levels of energy relative to the amount of heat it creates. Thermostat settings for this form of heating are critical in order to maintain the lowest possible electric bills during the winter.

Follow these simple tips to keep your house warmer in winter, save energy on heating and lower your utility bills.

* Set your thermostat in winter at 68 to 70 degrees.

* Determine the accuracy of your thermostat by checking room temperature with a thermometer.

* Clean or replace furnace air filters once a month in winter. Remember, heating equipment should be serviced annually, before use, by a licensed and bonded professional service person.

* Check and adjust gas heaters to a blue flame and ensure they have proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

* Seal cracks around doors to prevent air infiltration.

* Raise shades and open curtains during winter to let in the sun's warmth.

* Close the damper on your fireplace when it's not in use. But remember to open the damper when lighting a fire. Older fireplaces may not have a damper. An inexpensive way to seal your fireplace is by using glass or plexiglass doors.

* If your home has pier and beam construction, install skirting around your foundation to help limit air infiltration.

* Cover cold floors with rugs or carpet.

* Wear several layers of warm clothing.

* Caulk around exterior windows and door frames.

* Close doors to rooms that are not occupied. Remember to close exterior doors as quickly as possible when entering and leaving your home.

* Install gaskets under the cover plates of light switches and electrical outlets on exterior walls. This can cut down on air leakage by up to 20 percent.

For questions or comments about energy conservation, call the base Energy Manager, Andy Hinojosa, at 671-0252.