It’s the first days of Spring!  As many Pennsylvania consumers tackle spring cleaning chores around the house, the Public Utility Commission offers several conservation tips to help reduce energy use and cut costs this season.

“By making a few small changes this spring, a consumer will not only see an impact on their energy bills because their appliances don’t have to work as hard, but they’re also putting less demand on the entire grid, and that has a very beneficial effect on wholesale electricity and natural gas prices for everyone,” said PUC Commissioner James H. Cawley in a video news release.

The PUC offers the following tips:

-- Check and clean your exhaust vent occasionally and remove lint after each load.

-- Remove any obstacles from your heating and cooling registers.  If you block or restrict air flow, your systems will have to work harder. Don’t forget to clean your vents, too.

-- Wash clothing in cold water.  It will not only prevent shrinking and fading, but will also reduce your energy bill.

-- Weather-strip all doors and windows or install storm windows and doors to prevent drafts.  Lack of adequate weather-stripping can cost you $50 or more a year in lost energy costs.

-- Lower the temperature setting to 120 degrees on your water heater to realize significant savings.

For more tips, visit the PUC’s Prepare Now webpage.

3/25/2013