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For Immediate Release |
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December 21, 2004
Media Contacts: |
Sheridan
Becht
Grant J. Heston |
Be Prepared for Cold Weather
Use energy wisely to stay warm and save money
ORLANDO – Winter officially begins today and already Central
Florida has begun to experience near-freezing temperatures. As we turn on
heating systems to keep our homes comfortable, OUC offers a few simple tips to
help customers stay warm and take control of energy costs, too.
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Set your thermostat to 68
F. For each degree above 68 the heating portion of your bill will increase four
to six percent.
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Set the fan to auto and
replace dirty filters to allow your system to operate most efficiently.
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To reduce energy costs,
lower the thermostat a few degrees when you turn in for the evening. (68 F is
still recommended for small children and the elderly.)
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Close curtains and blinds
at night and on cloudy days to help keep the heat in. During the day, let the
sun's rays naturally warm the air in your home.
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An electric blanket can
help keep you warm on a cold night, but follow the manufacturers instructions
and make sure you turn it off and unplug it when it's not in use. Never tuck an
electrical blanket in.
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Check weather stripping
around doors and windows. If you feel cold air coming in, new weather stripping
or caulking can be purchased at home improvement and hardware stores.
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Keep portable space
heaters away from combustible materials such as curtains, bedding, clothing,
furniture and rugs. Plug heaters directly into outlets and remember to turn off
and unplug when not in use.
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Use products only for
their intended purposes. Hair dryers aren't intended to thaw frozen pipes, dry
clothing or warm bedding.
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Never use your stove or
oven to heat your home. It can cause fires.
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If you're going to be
gone for more than four hours, lower the setting on your thermostat.
Established in 1923 and owned by the
citizens of Orlando, OUC—The Reliable One provides electric and water services
to more than 190,000 customers in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated
Orange and Osceola counties. OUC is the second-largest public power utility in
Florida. |
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