CULLMAN, Ala. – While the worst part of the winter storm week has passed, there are a few more days of freezing temperatures ahead. Here are a few tips to help families beat the chill, without killing the power bill.
- Set thermostats and heaters to a regular 68-70 degrees
It may seem like a no-brainer, but consider setting central heat or space heaters to around 68-70 degrees. This will lessen how hard appliances have to work to maintain heat and lessen strain on the power grid as a whole.
- Bundle up
With your thermostats set between 68-70, it may still feel a bit chillier inside. Advise everyone in the home to bundle up: on top of regular long-sleeved shirts and pants, don a pair of thick socks or a warm, fleecy pullover to keep warm.
- Hang out in one location
For any size home, it is best to concentrate the heat source in one location when thinking thrifty with heating. Consider running a heater in one large room for the family to sit in through the day, like the living room or kitchen area, and closing off bedrooms to maintain the heat in one space.
- Unplug any appliances not in use
This seems like common sense, but unplug appliances that are not currently in use, like hair tools, coffee machines and so on. This will slightly ease the amount of power a house is drawing off the grid.
- Be safe and accept the possibility of a higher bill
Last, always consider safety when heating a home, and accept that statements might end up a bit higher than average. If using alternative heat sources like multiple space heaters or fireplaces, be sure to inspect any heat source and make sure it is clean, and toss any heaters with patched or frayed cords or burn a cleaning log before starting the first fire of the year. It is much better to pay a little extra on a monthly statement to heat your home safely.
