2. Use energy wisely

• Set thermostats between 65 and 70 degrees during the winter, and at 58 degrees when away from the house for more than a few hours. While sleeping, add an extra blanket for warmth. Bear in mind that warmer tepmeratures are recommended for home with ill or elderly persons or infants.

• Turn down thermostats automatically without sacrificing comfort by installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat.

SAVINGS: Cut annual heating bills by as much as 10% per year by turning your thermostat back 10-15% for eight hours per day.

• Change or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Furnaces consume less engery if they "breathe" more easily. Use receipt of your natural gas bill as a reminder.

• Warm are rises, so use registers to direct warm air-flow across the floor.

• Close vents and doors in usused rooms and close dampers on unused fireplaces.

• Set water heater temperatures at 120 degrees. A family of four, each showering for five minutes a day, uses 700 gallons of water each week. By lowering the thermostat on the water heater to 120 degrees, families can cut water heating bills without sacrificing comfort.

SAVINGS: Turning down the unit's thermostate to 120 degrees can help you save money since water heating is a typical family's third-largest energy expense, accounting for 14% of utility bills.

• Install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets.

• If radiators are located near cold walls, place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat back into the room.

• Run washing machines and clothes dryers with a full load.

• On sunny days, open draperies and blinds to let the sun's warmth in. Close them at night to insulate against cold air outside.

BACK TO TOP

3. Plan for long-term energy-efficiency improvements

• Conduct a "home energy audit" to determine specific household conservation needs. To find out how, contact your local gas utility for information or access the U.S. Department of Energy (www.homenergysaver.lbl.gov) for a "Do It Yourself Home Energy Audit" feature.

• Check to see if attic and basement have the recommended levels of insulation.

• Check the heating system and replace old, outdated appliances with high-efficiency natural gas models. When buying new appliances, compare energy efficiency ratings and annual operating costs.

• Install storm or thermal windows and doors or double-paned glass. A less expensive alternative is plastic sheeting, which can be temporarily fastened over doors and windows to prevent drafts and retain heat.

BACK TO TOP

4. Bill payment programs

The City of Cheney offers billing arrangements or assistance programs designed to help our customers manage their energy bills. Contact the City of Cheney for more information.

BACK TO TOP

5. Special assistance for low-income households

Low-income households spend a far higher proportion of their incomes on energy than do others. On average, low-income households spend 14% of their annual income on energy, in contrast with the average 3.5% spent on energy by others. More than 90% of low-income households have annual incomes less than $15,000. To help reduce this burden, the U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program helps eligible households to conserve energy. To be eligible, a household must have annual income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, or 60% of the state's median income (whichever is higher). Following weatherization, the average household saves about 25% on their heating bills.

Services provide under the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program:

• Professionally trained crews weatherize single-family homes, multi-family dwellings and mobile homes. Examples of energy-saving measures include installation of insulation and ventilation fans, heating and cooling tune-ups and modifications, replacement of units for energy efficiency and safety, air sealing, and energy-efficient lighting.

• Computerized energy audits and advanced diagnostic equipment are used to identify energy-saving measures that are cost effective or essential for health and safety.

• Tips to help clients how to use and maintain their homes and appliances to use energy wisely.

BACK TO TOP