CEC Energy Newsletter

Source: Bonneville Power Administration

BPA's Energy Efficiency team says there are some simple and effective ways consumers can both stay warm and be efficient - without even stepping outside. These include:

• Check heating vents. Make sure heating vents aren't blocked by furniture or other items.
• Clean or replace furnace filters. Forced air furnace filters trap dirt and dust. Clean or replace your filter about once a month during heating season.
• Close chimney dampers. An open chimney can pull warm air out of the house. Close the damper as soon as the fire is out completely.
• Circulate heated air. Since warm air rises to the highest areas, a celing fan at a low speed helps distribute warm air in the house.
• Keep drapes and blinds closed. Drapes add an extra layer of insulation. If you don't need the outside light, leave them closed. Turn blind louvers down toward the ground outside to divert rising heat back into the room.
• Don't heat rooms that are not in use.

For more energy-saving tips, visit BPA's Web site, www.bpa.gov.