Six more weeks of winter or an early start to spring? That’s up to Phil the groundhog to decide.
Whether the groundhog sees his shadow this Sunday or not, these tips will help you save money and energy as spring begins or winter lingers.
Lower manual or programmable thermostats when not at home and before going to sleep. This can save you 10 percent a year on heating. Or purchase a smart thermostat that can offer even more control over the climate at home. ComEd customers can purchase a smart thermostat on ComEd’s Marketplace and get a $75 instant rebate.
Check furnace filters. If the filter looks dirty, change it. A dirty filter will slow airflow and make the system work harder to keep your home warm, wasting energy. Furnace filters should be replaced or cleaned at least once every three months
Open curtains during the day to bring the sun’s free heat inside. Close window coverings when the sun goes down to keep the heat in.
Inspect and replace caulking and weather-stripping around windows and doors. Also, check ducts that move air from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner or heat pump to make sure there are no leaks, which cause energy waste.
Create a free online account at ComEd.com/MyAccount. Access hour-by-hour and day-by-day energy usage information to learn how much energy is used and when. By answering a few simple questions, customers can learn what uses the most energy and get customized energy-saving tips to save.
