As the Temperature Falls
Energy-Saving and Safety Tips from Breton Electric

With winter just a few months away, it’s time to make sure you will not be spending more than you must during the cold weather season. While some energy saving projects, such as investing in double-pane windows, insulation, or a new furnace entail significant upfront costs, they can pay for themselves pretty quickly by saving you money on your heating bill. However, there are a number of less expensive things you can do that will also help you conserve heat. 

Get your furnace checked by a professional to make sure that it is working safely and efficiently. And, don’t forget to change furnace filters every month or so, especially if you have indoor pets that shed. A dirty filter will slow the air flow and make your furnace work harder and thus use more fuel.

Using programmable thermostats will also reduce your energy bill. According to the US Department of Energy, “A common misconception associated with thermostats is that a furnace works harder than normal to warm the space back to a comfortable temperature after the thermostat has been set back, resulting in little or no savings. This misconception has been dispelled by years of research and numerous studies. The fuel required to reheat a building to a comfortable temperature is roughly equal to the fuel saved as the building drops to the lower temperature. You save fuel between the time that the temperature stabilizes at the lower level and the next time heat is needed. So, the longer your house remains at the lower temperature, the more energy you save.”

Of course, the easiest way to reduce your heating fuel bill is to seal up any air leaks in your home. Check for drafts around doors, windows, and electrical outlets on outside walls. While you are checking the outlets, take the time to ensure that they are not overloaded and that the cover plates are not warm to the touch.

As you winterize your home, use the following checklist, courtesy of Safe Electricity®, (www.safeelectricity.org) to make sure that your home is also free of electrical fire and shock risks:

- Check outlets and extension cords to make sure they are not overloaded

- Examine electrical cords to make sure they aren’t frayed, damaged or placed under rugs or carpets.

- Make sure that the proper wattage light bulbs are being used in light fixtures. Screw bulbs in securely. Loose bulbs may overheat and burn shades, drapes or nearby furniture 

- Look for these signs of electrical problems: switch plates, outlet covers, cords and plugs that are warm to the touch; and cut, broken or cracked insulation on electric wiring; frequently blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers. If these signs are present, you need a safety inspection by a licensed professional.

- Replace worn and outdated circuitry and add enough outlets for appliances and electronics. Hire a licensed professional to do the work.

- Make sure outlets in wet locations such as bathrooms, kitchen laundry and outdoors have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Test them and reset them monthly. If these outlets do not have GFCIs, have them professionally installed.

 Breton Electric is an electrical service and contract company based in Wakefield MA. For additional safety tips, information about reducing energy costs, how to recycle mercury-containing bulbs, and more, see www.bretonelectric.com or call 781-245-0787.