Preparing homes for winter weather
When the temperature starts to drop, it’s time to prepare your home for the cold. Here are some tips to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient this winter:
Don’t let warm air escape! Warm air can sneak out through small holes and cracks around plumbing pipes and sink and bathtub drains. Use foam insulation from a can to seal those areas. You’ll also want to make sure exterior windows are sealed with caulking and exterior doors are weather stripped.
Keep your heating system in tip top shape by regularly changing your air filter. Check it monthly—if your filter looks dirty after a month, change it—at a minimum change it every three months. Dirty filters slow down airflow and make your system work harder.
To keep energy use down, consider replacing older incandescent light bulbs with LEDs. LED bulbs last many years and use a fraction of energy compared to older incandescent light bulbs. Clark Public Utilities participates in the regional Simple Steps, Smart Savings program that provides an in-store discount when purchasing Energy Star® qualified LEDs, showerheads, and light fixtures. Look for discounts at participating local retailers.
Energy Star® programmable thermostats are a great way to regulate the temperature of your home throughout the day. Set your thermostat to a lower temperature while you’re away and bring it back to a comfortable setting when you’re home again.
If you are interested in more ways to reduce wasted energy and lower your electric bill, click here.
Trimming trees keeps lights on
Keeping the power on is the top priority at Clark Public Utilities. Trimming and removing trees around power lines helps reduce outages and improves safety. Although we operate a proactive tree trimming program year-round, we need your help and cooperation to identify trees that are close to power lines.
If you see an unsafe condition surrounding power lines, call us at 360-992-3000 or fill out our online tree trimming request form.
Are you thinking of planting trees on your property? We can help you be “Tree Smart” and choose trees to meet your landscaping needs, as well as our tree clearance guidelines. For more information on powerline-friendly trees visit our website.
Put LED lighting at the top of your wish list
Holiday lighting is fun and festive but can cause your energy bill to rise.
If you hang holiday lighting, consider swapping out traditional lights for strings of LEDs. Light emitting diode (LED) light bulbs use significantly less power than traditional incandescent bulbs and give off almost no heat, which reduces fire risk. They are also waterproof as well as chip and fade resistant and use 90 percent less electricity than traditional holiday lights.
Race for Warmth registration now open!
Registration is now open for the 3rd annual Race for Warmth, a 5k/10k walk and run benefiting Operation Warm Heart. The race will be held Sunday, January 29, and we hope to see you there!
Since its creation in 1985, Operation Warm Heart has provided nearly $2.4 million to help about 11,000 customers in financial crisis to pay winter heating bills.
Register today or make a tax deductible donation to Operation Warm Heart at RaceforWarmth.com.
Guest speakers available
If your neighborhood group, service club or community organization is looking for enlightening speakers, look no further! Clark Public Utilities employees are available to present at a variety of events on topics, including:
- Outsmarting energy waste
- Electrical safety
- Energy planning for the future
- Environmental restoration, wildlife habitat and native plants
If you’re interested in inviting a guest speaker from the utility to talk with your group, give us a call to arrange the presentation at 360-992-3268.
Get to know Travis!
As a Journeyman Lineman working as a Substation Working Foreman, Travis installs and maintains high voltage equipment in Clark Public Utilities substations, performs switching of both transmission and distribution equipment, ensures reliability of substations and switch station operation and much more.
Thanks for all you do to keep the lights on, Travis!