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October 01, 2012
This is a great time of year to review your everyday habits and make your home more energy efficient.
In recognition of Public Power and Natural Gas Weeks this month, Your Own Utilities - the #1 Public Utility in America - offers these tips:
- Get a free energy audit
- Change air filters
- Clean refrigerator coils
- Switch to CFLs
- Insulate water heater pipes
- Seal leaky windows/doors
- Check for water leaks
- Open windows-turn off AC
- Set water heater to 120° F
If you’re a City Electric Utility customer, you can also take advantage of the City’s ceiling insulation grant program. Through this Energy Smart Plus (e+) offering, the City will pay 80% of the installed cost up to a maximum City contribution of $400 (or 100% of the installed cost up to $500 for those who qualify by income).
It’s also a good idea to have a professional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) service checkup each year. During the cold weather months, heating accounts for a large part of a household’s energy usage and proper maintenance of equipment can help reduce costs. It’s best to have the technician inspect the system on a cold day when the unit will cycle repeatedly.
Another suggestion is to upgrade to natural gas, a clean, economical and domestically produced source of energy.
The City offers rebates up to $2,000 for natural gas appliances and systems, including furnaces, clothes dryers, water heaters, pool and spa heaters, ranges, outdoor grills and fire logs. Investing in natural gas today will help reduce your carbon footprint, lower monthly utility bills and improve the market value of your home or business. Also, watch for the City’s new website, which offers enhanced features, easier navigation, striking photo slide shows and a citywide events calendar.
Contact Information
Your Own Utilities: 891.4YOU (4968)