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Your Water, Gas and Light bill reflects how you use the energy and water-using appliances within and around your home. WG&L provides a free audit of our customers home to help conserve and reduce the amount of energy or water being used. If you have followed the energy saving tips and still your bill is high, please contact Special Services at ext 502 and make an appointment for one of WG&L's representatives to come and inspect your home.
Energy Saving Tips
- When you're at home, keep thermostats set for energy economy.
Cooling Season: 76 - 78 degrees
Heating Season: 66 - 68 degrees
- When you go to sleep, set thermostats for low energy use.
Air Conditioning: 76 - 78 degrees
Heating: 55 - 60 degrees
- When you go out, set thermostats for low energy use.
Air Conditioning: 5 - 10 Higher
Heating: 5 - 10 Lower
- If a room is not in use don't heat or cool it more than is necessary.
- Adjust heating and cooling systems to work more efficiently.
Make sure the duct system isn't leaking.
Make sure the system is balanced.
Check or replace filters once a month; clean the coil as necessary.
Close fresh air intakes.
Clear away obstructions.
- Cool your home the natural way.
Help cool air to come in. Open windows when the temperature is comfortable.
Keep the sun's heat out by adjusting shades, blinds, draperies or awnings.
Let hot air out. Hot air rises, open the upper vents in the attic and open the upper part of double windows.
Let breezes in by removing any blockage to the windows.
Electric fans can be a big help.
- Let the sun help heat your home in cold weather.
Pull up the shades or open the draperies to the sun to let in those warm rays.
- "Button up" your home to retain cooled or heated air.
Closing the blinds and draperies in the morning can help retain the night cool air, as well as insulate against the heat of the sunny day.
Use your storm doors and windows. Make sure they are fastened tightly.
Close draperies for extra insulation during cool nights or overcast days to help keep heat in.
Don't forget the fireplace flue. Keep closed when not in use.
- Keep your body comfortably warm or cool.
Dress cool in hot weather (natural fibers are cooler) and keep the air moving.
Dress warm in cold weather (each layer of clothing will raise your body temperature 5 degrees) and avoid drafts.
- Use less hot water in the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry.
When you shower, keep it short.
Don't let the hot water tap run unnecessarily while you wash or shave.
If you use machines, wash larger loads.
Try cool water clothes washing.
On nice days hang your clothes to dry outside.
Reduce the hot water temperature.
- Use your lights, TV, and other appliances in an energy-conserving way.
Turn things off when they're not needed.
Turn lights down.
Use the right appliance for the job.
Set temperatures for the refrigerator at 38 - 40 degrees Farenheight for the fresh food compartment and at 5 degrees farenheight for the freezer compartment.
- Buy a better light bulb.
Use lower wattage bulbs.
Use energy-saver bulbs.
Choose flourescents over incandescents.
Stop by Water, Gas and Light and pick up a free copy of 12 Easy Ways To Save Energy Dollars At Home. An energy dollar saved is a dollar earned.
Steps you can take if you suspect a water leak:
- Turn off all the water in your house very carefully.
- Check the position of the water meter dials and write down the reading.
- After a 30 minutes, recheck the water meter.
- If the reading is the same, you have no leaks.
- If the meter reading is changed, there is a possible leak.
Contact Water, Gas and Light for an audit.
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