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CareersCold Weather Tips to Help You Stay Safe & Conserve Energy
When Florida experiences an unusually low dip in winter temperatures, make sure to stay safe — and warm — while keeping energy costs under control. These simple tips can help you stay warm, safe and control energy costs during colder months.
Safety Tips
► Keep space heaters off carpet, walls and furniture.
► Plug directly into a wall outlet to reduce overheating and fire risk from extension cords or power strips.
► Turn off and unplug when not in use.
► When using your fireplace, make sure the flue is open, use a safety screen and never leave a fire or smoldering embers unattended.
► Never tuck in electric blankets – trapped heat and poor ventilation can cause overheating and become a fire hazard.
► Like space heaters, plug blankets directly into the wall.
► Unplug before falling asleep and when not in use.
►Never use your stove, oven or grill to heat your home. Not only is this a fire and burn hazard, but dangerous gases could be emitted into your home.
► Cover exposed water pipes and spigots.
► If you live in a house, allow a trickle of water to flow through exposed pipes or faucets that share an exterior wall to prevent the water inside from freezing.
► Keep pool pumps running so their supply lines do not freeze.
► Insulate pipes connected to solar water heating systems to prevent freezing.
Conservation Tips
► Put on a sweater or sweatshirt, long pants and socks to stay warm instead of turning up the heat.
► Close blinds or drapes to keep the cold air out, and open them during the day to let the warm sunshine in.
► Keep garage doors closed to help maintain indoor heat.
► Adjusting your thermostat is the most effective way to save energy during cold weather; every degree makes a difference!
► Set your thermostat at 68° or lower and your unit’s fan to “auto.” If you’re away from home, set the temp to 65°.
EV Safety Tips
Cold weather can impact the performance of car batteries in traditional vehicles and EVs alike by slowing down the electrochemical reaction inside them that produces power. When temperatures drop below freezing, that can lead to dead batteries, poor performance, or (in EVs) a lower driving range before you need to recharge.
However, “winterizing” your vehicle is easier than you might think – all it takes is a few protective measures:
► Stay Under Shelter. Just like cars and trucks with a traditional engine, EVs tend to run better when protected from freezing temperatures. Parking indoors or in a covered space during cold weather can help ensure your vehicle can travel to and from your destination, even on the coldest winter days.
► Cover Your Outdoor Charger. While it’s rare for temperatures to reach the freezing point in Central Florida, EV drivers should still take precautions to protect their outdoor charging connectors. When the forecast calls for extreme cold, you can combat the freezing risk by using a magnetic EV charging inlet connector cover or bag. (And remember: When you’re not using your charger connector, always hang it up according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.)
► Schedule Some Warm-Up Time. All vehicles perform best in cold weather when they’re given the chance to warm up, and many EVs come with “preconditioning” features designed to heat the interior and battery before driving. If you can, let your EV warm up while still charging. If you don’t have a preconditioning feature, simply let your vehicle run a few minutes before driving.
► Maintain a Charge. Err on the side of caution when it comes to your battery power. Always double-check your charge before leaving, even if it’s just a short run to the grocery store. Your battery will drain faster when not in use, so consider setting your charger on a timer to reach a full charge right when you plan to leave.
► Use Public Charging Stations. In more extreme temperatures and for longer trips, drivers should take advantage of local charging hubs en route to their destination. Locally, fast charging is available at OUC’s Robinson Hub.
► Check Tire Pressure. Having the right road traction helps improve overall safety. Unlike ICE cars and trucks, EVs have instant rotation – or torque – so it’s important to check the tire pressure when temperatures fluctuate.
Download the Guide
Want to share these tips? Forward this page or download our cold weather tips infographic.