Do you offer any help that will help me lower my heating bills?
You can now receive FREE energy education through UCAN. During this short class you can receive compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), kitchen and bathroom sink aerators, a whistle that will help alert you as to when it is time to change your furnace filter, a low flow shower head with massage, spray, and stream, as well as switch plate covers with temperature and relative humidity gauge. In addition to your FREE energy saving kit you will be trained on installation of these items and how they work. This energy savings kit combined with tips you will learn about energy conservation could save you 20%-40% on your utility bills. This process is usually done in a classroom setting but can be done one-on-one in our office or your home. Please check out our Weatherization Program or you may call us for details about this program. In Douglas County call (541)492-3512 or (800)301-8226 and ask for extension 3512. In Josephine County call 956-4447.
What can I do to lower my heating bills?
Turn your thermostat down - For each degree you increase your thermostat over 68 degrees, you add three percent to your heating cost. Set your thermostat down to reduce your bill.
Turn down your heating system 10 degrees if you're gone 4 hours or more.
Turn down the heat to 62 degrees when going to bed.
If you have a forced air heating system, clean or replace your furnace filters monthly during the heating season.
Stop drafts. - Make sure your doors and windows are kept closed during the heating season. Install or repair weatherstripping and caulking; block all cracks, gaps and openings. Keep woodstove and fireplace dampers closed when not in use.
Turn your hot water heater down. Set water-heating temperature to 120 degrees to reduce energy use and lower the risk of scalding. (Verify water temperature at the tap by using a meat or candy thermometer.)
Reduce hot water use. Showers use less energy than baths. Try shortening your showers by a few minutes. Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators if you don’t already have them. Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when full. Wash clothes in cold water.
Repair water leaks. A hot water leak can significantly increase your energy bill, as well as your water bill. A cold water leak will also increase your water bill.
Use refrigerators and freezers efficiently:
- Vacuum coils (behind and underneath units) at least twice yearly.
- Fill empty spaces with full water jugs.
- Consolidate food and eliminate the need for an "extra" refrigerator or freezer.
- Set freezer temperature between 0 and 10 degrees.
- Set refrigerator temperature between 36 and 40 degrees
Turn off unnecessary interior and exterior lighting. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs where you need light for longer periods.
Turn electronics off. When you are not using stereos, televisions and other electronics, turn them off. Turn off computers and monitors if you won't need them for the next couple of hours.
MAKE WHERE YOU ARE PARADISE. Heat and light only the room you are using.