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Use Energy Wisely
Let SCE&G help you take control of your energy bills. To get you started, we've compiled a variety of tips to help you be more energy efficient. You'll be surprised at how much you can save just by making a few changes in how you live and work.
A home with both electricity and natural gas offers excellent energy savings, is more environmentally friendly and allows you to experience the best of both worlds.
10 Ways to Save Energy this Fall & Winter:
- The best setting for your thermostat is around 68˚F. Each degree higher than that can significantly increase your heating costs, especially in older homes with less thermal efficiency.
- Programmable thermostats allow you to conveniently maintain the comfort of your home when you’re there and reduce energy costs when you’re not. If you have a heat pump system, make sure to get a thermostat specifically designed for heat pumps.
- Annual maintenance, by a professional, on your central heating system can extend the life of the system while also maintaining optimum efficiency.
- Check filters monthly and change when dirty. Adequate air flow through a heating system is critical to ensure efficient and comfortable operation.
- To protect your home from drafts you should caulk, seal and weather-strip around all seams, cracks, and openings. Pay special attention around windows and exterior doors.
- Upgrade your attic insulation to a minimum of R-38 (12-14 inches). This can help you save significantly on your heating costs.
- Move furniture away from heating registers. Blocked registers make furnaces work harder and can result in a higher energy bill.
- Open the window shades on the south and west side of the house during the day to maximize the warmth of the sun.
- Set your water heater temperature to 120˚F. Also, consider adding awater heater tank insulation wrap if the unit is more than 5-8 years old.
- Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). They use up to 75% less energy.
A home with both electricity and natural gas offers excellent energy savings, is more environmentally friendly and allows you to experience the best of both worlds.
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