COLUMBUS, Ohio – October 4 marks Energy Efficiency Day, and Columbia Gas of Ohio reminds customers that small changes around the house can have big energy savings during the colder months ahead.
- Use natural light: Natural light is a source of free heat that many homes overlook. Leave your curtains open during the day to allow your rooms to absorb some warmth. Furthermore, natural light has physiological benefits – it improves your vision, helps you sleep, and can improve your mood.
- Turn back the thermostat: First and foremost, be cautious of how high you set the thermostat temperature during the winter. Your energy bills will rise as you use more heat, especially if it is competing with colder outdoor temperatures. You'll also make your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system work harder, perhaps shortening its lifespan. Turn down the thermostat a few degrees if you're looking for energy-saving strategies.
- Save on hot water – Don’t set your water heater temperature higher than 120 degrees. This will help save energy and avoid scalding.
- Seal cracks and leaks: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fixing leaks around the house can reduce energy expenses by five to 30 percent. Spending a day caulking or weatherstripping your windows and doors will help seal air leaks, which may be significant energy drains.
- Maintain your furnace – Schedule your annual furnace tune-up, ideally before the first cold weather arrives. A licensed HVAC technician can ensure your furnace is clean and safe before its season-long workout.
- Buy ENERGY STAR products – Look for ENERGY STAR labels when purchasing new electronics. These products have been certified as high-efficiency and low-energy, consuming up to 65 percent less energy than non-certified alternatives.
For more information on Columbia Gas Energy Efficiency tips, visit ColumbiaGasOhio.com/Energy-Efficiency.
About Columbia Gas of Ohio
Columbia Gas of Ohio delivers clean, dependable and efficient natural gas to approximately 1.5 million customers across the state. With headquarters in Columbus, it is the largest natural gas utility in Ohio. Columbia Gas of Ohio is one of six regulated utility companies of NiSource (NYSE: NI), one of the largest fully-regulated utility companies in the United States. NiSource employees are focused on our mission to deliver safe, reliable energy that drives value to our customers and guided by our vision to be an innovative and trusted energy partner. More information about Columbia Gas of Ohio and NiSource, including its goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2040, is available at www.ColumbiaGasOhio.com and www.NiSource.com.