Although we live in a temperate climate, heating is the number one expense for most San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) customers during the winter months.
But it’s possible for smart consumers to manage their winter costs by implementing easy conservation and energy efficiency measures to stretch their budgets while keeping their homes or businesses comfortable during the chilly months ahead.
Our average customer can save about $13 on monthly winter energy bills by simply lowering the furnace thermostat 3 to 5 degrees. Adopting new habits like keeping the chimney flue closed when the fireplace is not in use and closing window coverings at night to keep heat indoors can increase the savings.
Another measure that yields significant results is upgrading insulation. Some types of attic insulation settle over time or may be unevenly distributed, allowing up to 20 percent of heating costs to be lost through the ceiling.
That’s why we encourage customers to take advantage of instant rebates on new insulation, which will result in savings up to $17 on monthly bills.
By implementing the following conservation and energy efficiency measures, combined with making sure a home or small business is properly weatherized, consumers and business owners will be able to achieve considerable savings this winter.
Insulate your home or business properly. Insulation is rated by R-value ” the higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation. At a minimum, ceilings should be insulated to R-30, walls to R-11 and floors to R-19.
Look for dirty spots in your insulation, which often indicate holes where air leaks into and out of your house. Rebates of 15 cents per square foot are available on new installation, and some retailers offer instant rebates right at the cash register.
Adjust the thermostat. For every two degrees you lower your thermostat you can save approximately 5 percent on heating costs. A setting of 68 degrees during the day and 55 degrees or lower at night is recommended (health permitting).
Install a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one so you can program the heat to come on an hour before you wake up. Turn the thermostat off when you’re not at home.
Test for airtightness. On a windy day, hold a lit incense stick next to your windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, attic hatches and other locations where there is a possible air path to the outside.
If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you have located an air leak that may need caulking, sealing or weatherstripping, which will help save as much as 5 percent on heating costs.
Maintain the heating system. Have your gas furnace checked at least once a year by SDG&E or a licensed heating contractor to ensure its safe and efficient operation.
Check furnace filters monthly and clean or replace per the manufacturer’s recommendations, making sure to re-install the front panel door of the furnace so it fits snugly to eliminate risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep heating vents clear and give your appliances enough air to operate. Save up to $10, or anywhere from 5 percent to 20 percent monthly, by having home air ducts tested for leaks and sealed, if needed.
Change your habits. When the fireplace is not in use, keep the flue damper tightly closed so the warm air does not escape. Close window coverings at night to help keep heat indoors and open them during the day so the sun can warm the house. Turn on a ceiling fan in the reverse mode when using a forced-air furnace to distribute heat more evenly.
Finally, to better understand typical costs for heating and major appliances so you can make smart decisions on ways to save, visit www.sdge.com/forms/energycosts.pdf for the “Room by Room Energy Guide” or call SDG&E’s Energy Information Center at (800) 644-6133. For more information or a complete list of possible energy-efficient rebates and incentives visit www.sdge.com/residential/rebates_services.shtml.
” Michelle M. Mueller is vice president of customer services – mass markets for SDG&E.