In honor Benjamin Franklin’s recent 310th birthday, PECO has released a list of ways customers can save energy and money.
Franklin played a large role in the development of electricity. Legend has it that Franklin tested his theory on the link between electricity and lightning in nearby Bensalem.
- Use a power strip with an on/off switch to completely power down electronics around your home, including DVD players, computers and coffee makers.
- Unplug your mobile phone charger, portable music player or other electronics once they are fully charged, and always unplug all nonessential devices before leaving for out-of-town travel.
- Manage your thermostat. Keep thermostats set at a constant, comfortable level. Lower thermostats a few degrees when sleeping or while out of your home for more than a few hours.
- Do not block air flow. Make sure your furniture and drapes are not blocking heating vents.
- Take advantage of natural sunlight by opening curtains and drapes during the day to let the sun warm your home and closing them at night for insulation.
- Do not heat unused areas. Close vents and shut doors to unused rooms, closets and basements.
- Keep the heat inside. Check for drafts around windows and doors, and seal any openings with weather stripping or even a rolled up blanket. A drafty house lets warm air escape and is much more costly to keep warm – especially on the coldest days of the season.
- Change your furnace filter regularly. A dirty filter forces the furnace to work harder. Have the furnace inspected by a licensed professional to ensure it is operating efficiently and to seal any leaks in furnace ducts.
- Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120°F and conserve hot water when you can.
- Look for energy-efficient appliances. When shopping for appliances such as refrigerators and freezers, look for the ENERGY STAR® label, as those products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Newer, more energy-efficient models can lower monthly operating costs.
