Energy-saving tips for cold weather

With the region experiencing a significantly colder season than last year, Delmarva Power wants to help customers save both money and energy by offering the following tips:

Set the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower if health permits. For every degree the thermostat is lowered, households can save up to 5% on heating costs. A smart thermostat can adjust the temperature while residents are away and can connect to mobile devices.

Adjust blinds and keep them raised during the day to to capture the radiant heating benefits of the sun. Close the blinds and curtains after the sun goes down to keep the cold air out and the heat in.

Install energy-efficient light bulbs. Energy-efficient LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than standard bulbs.

Insulate homes and trap escaping air from windows and doors by using caulking or weather-stripping around leaky areas, install storm windows in winter and close chimney flues.

Dust or vacuum radiators to keep them free of grime that can impede the flow of heat. Keeping radiators clean helps maintain their efficiency.

Maintain home heating equipment and have it serviced periodically by a professional service representative.

Locations with heat pumps should keep the thermostat set to the lowest comfortable temperature and avoid frequent changes to prevent increased energy use. Owners of properties using heat pumps should only adjust thermostats if space will be unoccupied for more than 24 hours.

Delmarva Power is committed to keeping every customer connected by offering payment arrangements and programs like budget billing, which helps customers avoid seasonal peaks in their energy bills by dividing their payments evenly over the course of the entire year. Delmarva Power also offers energy-efficiency programs and energy-saving information to help customers reduce their energy usage. 

To see a full list of ways to save energy and money during this cold stretch can be found at delmarva.com/waystosave.