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PEC encourages winter conservation

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Because heating a home can take two to three times more electricity than cooling a home, Pedernales Electric encourages members to take measures to conserve electricity this winter. By taking a whole-house approach to conservation, members can make their homes more energy efficient. Following these conservation tips can help members reduce electric use and their monthly bills.

€Install plug outlet covers on unused outlets. About 20 percent of the air that escapes your home escapes through outlet openings.

€Keep window shades open during the day to benefit from the heat of the sun. Close the window shades at night to keep the heat in.

€Install a glass fire screen on your fireplace to keep heated air from escaping through the chimney and make sure the flue is closed when you're not using the fireplace.

€Insulate indoor water pipes in unheated spaces.

€Inspect insulation to make sure it's not blocking ducts or vents. Blown-in insulation can settle over time and may need to be fluffed up or increased.

€Set your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower when family members are asleep or away from home. For every degree you raise the temperature, you add three to five percent to your electric bill.

€If your home uses a heat pump, raise the thermostat setting two degrees at a time when adjusting the temperature. This will avoid running the compressor and supplemental heat at the same time.

€Air can enter and escape your home through cracks and gaps around windows, doors and other areas. Effective caulking can help prevent this. Caulk when the temperature is more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit; the caulk may not adhere in colder temperatures.

For more winter conservation information, visit PEC online at www.pec.coop. Through the website, members can access the online Home Energy Center, create a personal profile and learn additional conservation tips and energy-saving recommendations based on the details of their home.

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