4 energy-saving tips from Columbia Gas for lower energy bills in Ohio
National Energy Efficiency Day is on Oct. 1, and Columbia Gas has several tips that’ll help customers save money this fall and winter.
Customers budgeting for upcoming energy bills the next few months and looking to lower their energy usage can start by:
Maintain your furnace
Before the first frost arrives, schedule your annual furnace tune-up.
A licensed HVAC technician can make sure your furnace is clean, safe and ready for its months-long workout, as well as change the filter.
Save on hot water
Using less hot water can lower the overall home’s energy usage. Columbia Gas recommends setting your water heater temperature to 120 degrees or lower.
When washing your dishes, use the dishwasher instead of washing by hand. You can also save by using the short cycle and letting dishes air dry.
Energy-efficient appliances also use up to 65% less energy than alternatives, from showerheads and dishwashers to air conditioners and ceiling fans.
Columbia Gas says to look for the ENERGY STAR label which certifies appliances as highly energy-efficient.
Setting the thermostat
Columbia Gas recommends saving energy by using your home thermostat’s schedule function. On cooler days, set the thermostat to around 68 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re home and lower it while you’re asleep or away.
On sunny days, open curtains and blinds to use the sun to warm up.
Seal cracks and leaks
Keep the inside of your home warmer and more energy efficient during the colder months by checking the exterior and sealing cracks and leaks around the home.
Before the first frost, Columbia Gas recommends caulking and weatherstripping your windows and doors to help seal air leaks, which can be a significant source of energy drain.
There’s also a program called WarmChoice, which provides income-eligible customers with free weatherization services year-round, like air sealing, natural gas appliance repair or replacement, wall insulation and more.
Visit the Columbia Gas website for room-by-room home energy efficiency tips.
