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Central Hudson Advises Residents to Prepare for Winter Weather
Colder weather is on the way, and Hudson Valley residents will soon be turning on their heating systems to keep warm. Preparing now for the upcoming winter months will help customers of Central Hudson to use energy efficiently and safely.
"Having heating systems professionally tuned before winter helps to ensure they operate as efficiently as possible," said Denise D. VanBuren, Vice President of Public Affairs and Energy Efficiency. "Your contractor's technician will check for combustion efficiency, change filters, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your system is not only running safely, but also at peak efficiency."
Residents may also wish to weatherize their homes before cold weather sets in. "Installing storm windows, sealing leaks and cracks with caulk and weather stripping, and adding insulation can significantly help to reduce the amount of energy used, especially in older homes, and can save up to 10 percent on heating costs," Van Buren said.
Other steps residents can take include:
- Installing set-back thermostats, which automatically turn down the thermostat during the night or when the home is unoccupied, potentially saving up to 10 percent on fuel use;
Opening drapes during sunny days to warm the home, and closing them at night to keep in the heat;
Keeping radiators and heating ducts clear of furniture to allow heat to circulate freely;
Insulating ducts and hot water pipes where they run through uninsulated areas such as crawl spaces, and repairing any leaks in the duct system;
Turning down thermostats to 68 degrees when the home is occupied (each degree lowered saves three percent on energy use).
"A safety inspection of the heating system and water heaters should also be performed," noted VanBuren. "Service technicians should check flues and clear them of any debris that may have accumulated during the year, and the entire unit should be inspected carefully, especially for the possibility of producing carbon monoxide."
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced by burning any fuel, including oil, propane, natural gas, wood and charcoal. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, nausea and headache; exposure can lead to serious injury or even death. If the presence of carbon monoxide is suspected, occupants should leave the premises, seek medical attention if needed and have their contractor make any necessary repairs. "All residents should install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes," she said.
For more information on energy efficiency, safety and carbon monoxide, visit www.CentralHudson.com.
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