Here are a few tips from the Energy Experts you can use this winter to stay warm and comfortable at the lowest possible cost.
- Caulking and/or weather-stripping around all your doors, windows, exhaust vents and other openings that allow cold air to leak into your house can save you a lot in energy costs. And don’t worry about sealing your home up too tightly; for as many leaks as you can find, there will always be a few that you can’t find or fix.
- Check your exterior doors. If you can see light or can feel air coming in around them, you probably need to replace the thresholds and/or door sweeps.
- Seal around plumbing entrances under sinks and vanities and around bathtubs and showers.
- Place foam gaskets under the electrical outlet covers to cut down on air infiltration. You’ll be surprised at the amount of outside air that gets in, even through the inside walls of your home.
Energy Use FAQ
Do you have a service that would allow someone to come to a member’s home and give a review of the home and offer advice on how to make the home more efficient and show them how to reduce their bill?
Yes. York Electric offers a free in-home energy audit. All you have to do is call our member services department at 803-684-4248 and tell them you are interesting in scheduling one.
What is the best temperature for heating and cooling?
The ideal setting is 78 degrees for cooling and 65 degrees for heating.
My house is energy efficient. Does York Electric offer a lower rate?
Yes. In order to qualify for York Electric’s Residential All Electric rate, you must have an all electric home and be an individually-metered residential member living in a residence, mobile home, condominium or apartment that meets certain energy efficiency requirements. These requirements apply to heat pumps, water heaters and other factors that affect the energy efficiency of your home. To find out more about qualifying for this special rate, please contact our member services department at 803-684-4248.
Someone said outdoor floodlights were making my bill run higher? Is this possible?
Yes, it can. You can save by using your current spotlights less, converting your current spotlights to 23 watt compact fluorescent spots, and by installing motion sensors so the lights only work when motion is detected.
What can I do about the amount of my bill?
Conserving energy is always a good idea. York Electric has a free 101 low-cost/no-cost home energy savings measures brochure. Visit one of our offices to pick up a copy or download here. Also, visit TogetherWeSave.com and take the home tour to learn what actions you can take to save on your energy bill.
Is electricity still a good value?
The value of electricity remains very high. The national cost of electricity today, when adjusted for inflation, is less than what it was in 1980. Very few commodities have remained such a good value. Compared to other consumer products and services, electricity is a bargain.
