Electricity Usage Soars as Cold Spell Lingers

The longest cold snap to hit Clayton in more than 30 years is doing more than just making it uncomfortable to go outside.

It's also causing your electric meter to spin.

Keeping your house warm during prolonged periods of severe cold can be taxing on a heating system and cause you to use much more electricity than normal. And with more use comes a higher than expected electric bill.

Here are some energy-saving ideas from Clayton Public Power that can help you keep your electric usage---and your bill---under control.

• Avoid using electric space heaters, as they can significantly increase your electric bill.
• Weatherize your home by sealing duct work – the number one way to conserve energy. Make sure that all ductwork is sealed at joints and intersections with foil-backed tape, mastic or silicone caulk.
• Seal off fireplaces, and never use a fireplace as a heat source for your home. Even as a supplemental heat source, the cold air introduced to a warm home through an open flue isn’t as efficient as sealing off a fireplace and using the primary source of heat.
• If you have a fossil fuel furnace, lower the thermostat at night or when away from home for several hours. If you have a heat pump, set it at the lowest comfortable setting and leave it there.
• Lower water heater to 120-125 degrees.
• Change furnace filters every month.
• Seal doors and windows with caulking or weather-stripping.
• Close draperies at night or if sitting close to a window.
• Insulate the first three-to-six-feet of cold and hot water pipes near the water heater.
• Add an insulation blanket to your water heater.
• Check your attic’s insulation. Add more, if needed.

For more information on energy efficiency, visit the NC Public Power website on-line. Test your home’s energy efficiency with Energy Depot, their online energy audit tool.