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Sweater weather: Preparing homes for colder days and nights

By Frances Borsodi Zajac fzajac@heraldstandard.Com 3 min read
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Sweater weather: Preparing homes for colder days and nights
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Sweater weather: Preparing homes for colder days and nights
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Sweater weather: Preparing homes for colder days and nights

Get out the sweaters! Colder weather is beginning to make an appearance in southwestern Pennsylvania.

“It’s starting to feel like fall,” said Lee Gierczynski, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania spokesman.

While days are still warm, nighttime temperatures are beginning to dip. Now is the time for homeowners to prepare for colder weather, starting with the furnace.

“Make sure it’s inspected and operating properly,” said Gierczynski. “And change the furnace filter to maximize air flow efficiency.”

Gierczynski noted some people may want to use a space heater: “Make sure it’s on a level, hard surface and away from anything flammable. Don’t forget to turn off the space heater when you go to bed.”

Check the house for ways to keep out the cold.

“One thing consumers can do to improve energy efficiency is to seal around their doors and windows and insulate their pipes,” said Gierczynski.

Columbia Gas also advises on its website:

Keep return heating air ducts clean. Dust and lint can keep a room from getting enough heat and make the heater work harder.

Avoid blocking registers or radiators with draperies, curtains or furniture. Let the air flow freely.

Adjust and point registers so warm air flows across the floor. Warm air rises, so the whole room will heat. Air deflectors can help if vents aren’t adjustable.

Keep the fireplace damper closed when not using it.

The Public Utilities Commission also offers tips on its website, including:

Install a programmable furnace thermostat that will lower the temperature automatically at night and raise the temperature when homeowners are up. Turning down the thermostat is one of the most effective ways to cut energy usage.

Turn down the hot-water tank to 120 degrees to cut power consumption.

Make sure ceilings and attics have a minimum of R-30 insulation. A contractor can help evaluate current insulation.

Consider installing energy efficient windows and insulated doors to replace older ones.

Remember that cold weather can effect finances.

The PUC advises consumers to contact their utility to participate in a budget payment program that allows customers to spread costs over 12 months.

“It helps eliminate higher energy bills over the winter when customers typically use the most natural gas,” said Gierczynski of the Columbia Gas plan. “They pay a monthly budget amount instead of their account balance.”

With Columbia Gas’s audits and rebates program, eligible customers could get a home energy audit and up to $1,800 for recommended energy efficiency upgrades.

And Columbia Gas customers who have trouble paying bills can contact the utility to see what types of energy assistance programs they may be eligible for, Gierczynski said, noting Columbia Gas serves as a link to federal programs that provide financial assistance with residential heating costs.

Gierczynski also advises if customers smell the “rotten egg” odor of natural gas, follow these safety tips:

Whether inside or outside the home, evacuate to a safe location immediately and call 911. Do not operate anything that could cause a spark, including lights, cell phones, flashlights, or appliances. Don’t open the windows and doors in an attempt to ventilate. Don’t try to find the leak or operate pipeline valves. Columbia Gas’s emergency number is 888-460-4332.

For more information on cold weather preparation and energy savings, visit www.columbiagas.pa.com and www.puc.state.pa.

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