Cut Costs And Stay Warm This Season

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it true that lowering the temperature can actually cost me more when I turn the thermostat back up?

No. In most situations, as soon as your home drops below its normal temperature, it will lose energy to the surrounding environment more slowly. Consider purchasing a programmable thermostat and if health allows, set it as low as possible to avoid overworking your heater while staying safe and comfortable.

I’ve been using a fireplace to help heat my home, but my energy bills remain high. Why is this?

Unless your fireplace is equipped specifically for home heating, warm air can escape your home through the chimney. Also, be sure to close the fireplace damper when not in use.

How can I help my furnace run efficiently?

You can heat your home more efficiently and save money by replacing your furnace filter every month, vacuuming or dusting air registers regularly and making sure registers are not blocked by furniture or rugs.

If my furnace is not working, is it safe to turn on my oven and open the door for heat?

Absolutely not! Never use your oven (electric or gas) as a heating source. It’s not only a dangerous fire hazard; it can also release dangerous fumes, such as carbon monoxide. The safest thing to do when your heat isn’t working is to keep all the doors and windows closed and use extra blankets until the heat is restored.

Is it a good idea to close or seal off the air registers in unused rooms?

Closing or sealing a small number of air registers may cut your heating bills some, but with central forced air systems, closing off more than one-third of your registers can create pressure imbalances and make the blower fan work harder, potentially shortening equipment life.