As early cold snaps hit California, Pacific Gas and Electric Company offers a number of no cost, low cost and investment decisions that customers can make to help save energy and money, including:
Furnace Maintenance: Clean or replace your furnace filters monthly and have your complete system checked and serviced annually.
Cracks Around Doors: Many doorways have large gaps along the doorframe and threshold. Install or replace weather stripping around the door and along the threshold.
Fireplace: When the fireplace is not in use, close the damper.
Thermostat: Install a programmable thermostat and keep it set at 68 degrees during the day and 55 degrees while you are away or sleeping (health permitting).
Gaps Around Flues and Vents: Fireplace flues, along with kitchen and dryer vents, are often poorly sealed where they pass through walls and ceilings. Customers should make sure their flues and vents are properly sealed.
Holes Around Pipes: Check all the pipes in your home, including those servicing the sink, bathtub, water heater and washing machine.
Water Heater: Turn down the temperature on your water heater to the "warm" setting (about 120 degrees) and wrap it in a blanket (unless the water-heater already has high R-Valve insulation inside).
Drapes: During winter, open drapes on sunny days to help warm the rooms.
Oven: When possible use your microwave oven.