WARREN COUNTY, Ky. – The temperatures are sure dipping down, and saving money can be a challenge this time of year.
Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation shared some tips on how you can stay warm during the cold weather while saving some money for Christmas.
One trick mentioned was to turn a ceiling fan to a lower setting and make sure the fans spins in a clockwise direction. This allows for the warm air to circulate around the room easier. However, there are a few easy checks you can make around the home to make sure your warm air is staying in and not escaping.
“Make sure that you have good insulation, make sure that you have caulking and weather stripping. Those are pretty easy to do. And I always say in the winter, keep the warm air in and the cold air out and then the reverse in the summer. Those tips work for both. But those are really pretty easy, and they’re really very effective,” said Kim Phelps, senior director of communications for Warren RECC.
Phelps also added that controlling your thermostat is important as well. While being comfortable is the priority, changing the inside temperature can have a big impact. Turning the temperature down one degree can add up to around 10% savings on an energy bill.
And while you’re thinking about the best ways to save money during the cold season, it’s also important to keep in mind safety when putting up your Christmas decorations this year.
According to the U.S. Product and Safety Commission, around 15,000 people a year visit the emergency room for Christmas decoration related injuries. Burns, broken bones, cuts and many other injuries occur while setting up for the holly jolly season, but there are other tips you need to be aware of that may not only effect you but your neighbors as well.
“When you’re installing outside lights, make sure they are rated for outdoor. That’s always helpful. And also make sure if you’re installing around your yard not to install on a lot of light poles or an electric pole,” Phelps said.
Installing decorations on light poles can actually have a more detrimental impact than you think. Nails and staples over the years can weaken a pole significantly, causing but larger troubles for the neighbors and Warren RECC in the future.
