As we can all see from our electric and/or gas bills, the cost of energy has skyrocketed. The thermostat at our home was kept between 64-67 in December, we closed curtains at night, opened them on sunny days and we still had a $315 bill. This month we have backed the temp down to 62 during the day and 60 at night and we are taking other steps like unplugging any charger or appliance that is not in use - including computers, stereo, tv, phone chargers, etc... A charger plugged into an outlet still draws power even if there is nothing plugged into it.
Visit this website and watch the film for more great ideas on how to save http://www.kilowattours.org/ The film is great and they offer great tips for saving energy and money.
Here are a couple quick reminders about precautions that MUST be taken to your properties when the temperature falls below 20* and precautions that can be taken to keep your heating bills as low as possible:
If outside temperatures stay below 20* for more than a few hours, and you live in one of our historic homes, please open cabinet doors and let the water in all your faucets run a thin stream to prevent pipes from freezing and/or bursting. We have insulated but precaution is best. We did have several busted pipes this past cold spell.
Per leases, tenants are responsible for any damages caused by frozen and/or burst pipes if the damage could have been prevented.
Also, as the temperatures get and stay colder, you may need to take extra precautions to keep your house warm and heating bills down. Many of you may notice that your energy bills have increased significantly. This does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your property or that your heating system is not working properly. Nashville Electric Service has increased their rates significantly; approximately 15% which equates to $12-$15 per 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity used. Following are many tips that can help you keep your heating bills down:
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Put on your favorite sweater and set your thermostats between 65 and 68 degrees during the winter. For sleep hours, set the temperature at least 5 degrees lower and add a cozy blanket to your bed. When away from home for more than a few hours, set your thermostat at 58 degrees. (Warmer temperatures are recommended for homes with ill or elderly persons or infants). Do not utrn your heat off when you go out of town as this could cause your water pipes to freeze and burst.
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Adjust vents to keep specific rooms of your home at a desired temperature. Heat rises, so you may want to partially close upstairs vents.
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Close vents and doors in unused rooms.
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Use draperies, awnings, blinds or shutters on all windows to slow the loss of heat through the glass. In winter, keep window coverings open on sunny days to let the sun's warmth in and close them at night to insulate against cold, outside air.
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Rearrange furniture by placing it against inside walls - you're less likely to feel cool drafts if you're not sitting next to the outside walls.
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Avoid blocking heating vents and air returns with furniture, draperies or carpet.
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A humidifier - either on your furnace or as a separate unit - can help control heating costs. You'll feel warmer in moist air, so you can set your thermostat lower.
If your property does not have central heat, please read the attached "Eight Safety Reminders for Space Heaters".
Eight Safety Reminders for Space Heaters
Electric space heaters are great for providing additional heat this time of year. But, they can also pose a fire hazard if not used properly.
1. Use heaters on the floor. Never place it on furniture, since it might fall and result in a fire or shock hazard.
2. Do not use heaters in wet or moist places, such as a bathroom, unless certified for that purpose.
3. Don't hide cords under rugs or carpet. It could cause the cord to overheat.
4. Avoid an extension cord unless absolutely necessary. Using a light-duty, household extension cord with a high-wattage appliance can start a fire.
5. Make sure the plug fits snugly in the outlet. Since heaters draw lots of power, the cord and plug may feel warm. If it feels hot, unplug the heater and have a qualified repairman check for any problem.
6. Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or leave the area.
7. Place your heater at least three feet away from objects such as bedding, furniture and drapes that could catch on fire.
8. Select a heater that is the correct size for the area you want to heat. The wrong size may not be an efficient use of energy