October 2 marks National Energy Efficiency Day, and Columbia Gas of Kentucky is reminding customers that small changes around their homes can result in big energy savings during the colder months ahead.
- Maintain your furnace: Schedule your annual furnace tune-up, ideally before the first cold weather arrives. A licensed HVAC technician can make sure your furnace is clean and safe before its season-long workout. Remember to change filters following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Adjust the thermostat: Save energy on cooler days by setting the thermostat to around 68 degrees Fahrenheit while you are awake and setting it lower while you are asleep or away from home. Programmable thermostats can help you schedule temperature adjustments. Leave your curtains and blinds open on sunny days to use natural light as a source of heat during the day.
- Save on water: Do not set your water heater temperature higher than 120 degrees to help save energy and avoid scalding. When using the dishwasher, opt for the short cycle and turn off the drying cycle when possible.
- Seal cracks and leaks: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fixing leaks around the house can reduce energy expenses by five to 30 percent. Spending a day caulking or weatherstripping your windows and doors will help seal air leaks, which may be significant energy drains.
- Buy ENERGY STAR products: Look for ENERGY STAR labels when purchasing new appliances. These products have been certified as high-efficiency and low-energy, consuming up to 65 percent less energy than non-certified alternatives.
For room-by-room suggestions for using energy more efficiently, customers can visit ColumbiaGasKY.com/Energy-Efficiency.
Low-income Columbia Gas customers can contact their local Community Action agency for assistance with weatherizing or improving the energy efficiency of their homes. The agency also administers the Columbia Gas Furnace Replacement Program, which replaces aging and inoperable natural gas furnaces with new, energy-efficient units for income-eligible homeowners.
As a reminder, customers who smell the rotten-egg-like odor of natural gas should stop, leave the area, and call 911 and Columbia Gas at 1-800-432-9515 from a safe location.
