Dropping temperatures bring rising bills

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Warren Wade
  • 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The colder months of winter bring with them high energy costs. Below are some free or low cost ways you can lower your energy bills this winter:

· Set your thermostat at or below 70 degrees when you are at home. When you leave for work or go to sleep, set it back at least 8 degrees.

· Arrange drapes and furniture so they do not block vents or baseboard heaters.

· Seal the air leaks around doors and windows using caulk or weather stripping.

· Replace your furnace filter monthly.

· Adjust your water heater to the "warm" setting (120 degrees Fahrenheit).

· Open the curtains on southern facing windows during the day and close them during the night to take advantage of heating from the sun and reduce the chill during the night.

More cost saving tips like these can be found on www.energysavers.gov.