Heating tips
Even though your energy consumption may decrease with the winter months, there are still ways to save:
- Have your heating system serviced at least once a year to maintain its efficiency. Consult this list of SRP qualified contractors to do the maintenance.
- Replace disposable air filters or clean permanent ones at least once a month. A dirty filter forces your equipment to work harder, causing higher energy bills.
- Clean debris and obstructions from around the outdoor section of your heating system.
- Set your thermostat between 68 to 70 degrees when you are home, and 65 degrees or lower when you are away.
- Consider an SRP Time-of-Day Price Plan and use a programmable thermostat to run the heat primarily during lower-cost hours.
- Change your ceiling fan setting to send airflow upward and run the fan on "low" to help circulate the warm air trapped at the ceiling.
- Close any evaporative cooler updraft vents, install the baffle plate (cookie sheet damper) and cover the unit before switching over to heating in the winter.
- Close the fireplace damper when it is not in use. This will help keep the warm air inside your house and stop your heating dollars from going up the chimney.
- Keep draperies open during the day to help let in the heat and close them at night to help retain the heat.
- Install weather stripping and seals around doors and windows. It minimizes gaps and reduces heat loss, helping you keep heating costs down and save energy.
- Heat your home safely: Never use your stove, oven or portable grill to heat your house, as that can be hazardous.