Energy Conservation Quick Tips

Energy conservation is a topic on most people’s minds. Below are tips to help conserve energy and lower your gas bills year round. Please read the information and if you have any questions, please contact our office at (512) 272-5503.

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Set your thermostat at 70 degrees or lower in winter. Every degree you raise your thermostat means a higher heating bill.

Some sources indicate heating costs could increase approximately four to six per cent for every thermostat degree setting above 70 degrees during the winter.

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Programmable thermostats are a considered to be a good investment because you can automatically lower the thermostat when you are away from home and automatically raise it back to a comfortable setting before you return home.

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Have your heating system inspected by a propane licensed technician. This will reduce chances of equipment failure and may increase your unit’s efficiency.

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Keep the fireplace damper closed unless you are using your fireplace. An open damper may let up to eight percent of the home’s heat escape out the chimney. Glass doors on the fireplace can help stop air leakage.

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Reverse ceiling fans to spin clockwise at a low setting. This will force warm air downward to your living spaces.

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If you plan to be away from home during the day or for several days, a lowered thermostat may reduce your overall energy consumption.

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Replace your filters in your home every thirty days.

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Make sure weather stripping around doors and windows are in good condition. Replace if necessary.

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Make sure your duct work is properly insulated and sealed. Unsealed ducts in attics and crawl spaces lose heated air.

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Invest in an insulated blanket for your water heater. Keep the setting on your water heater at low or medium.

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Keep blinds and draperies opened on sunny days to let the sun’s warmth in, close or pull down at night or when temperatures drop. Consider using insulated draperies and shades.

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Reduce the amount of hot water you use by remembering to operate your dishwasher and clothes washer when fully loaded. Adjusting the washing machine to warm instead of hot will also reduce gas consumption.

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Always use gas appliances for their intended use only. For example, do NOT use a gas stove to heat your house. Never bring propane cylinders in the home or garage to use on grills or portable heaters.

REMEMBER: IF YOU SMELL GAS, GO OUTSIDE AND CALL 1-87-SMELLGAS