Preparing for Colder Temperatures
Winter weather is arriving this week in South Carolina, and we want to make sure that you are prepared for the colder temperatures. Here are some safety and energy-efficiency tips to keep you safe and warm while helping manage your bill during the cold spell.
- Don’t Turn Up Your Thermostat: Turning your thermostat up to a high temperature to keep warm puts a lot of strain on your heating system and can lead to higher bills. We suggest setting your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower in the winter.
- Dress Warmly, Even Indoors: Sometimes, the most effective way to stay warm doesn’t involve adjusting your thermostat. Instead, consider layering up with a cozy sweater, blanket and warm socks. It is called “sweater weather” for a reason.
- Space Heater Safety: When using a space heater, make sure to leave at least three feet of space around it. Remember, space heaters are good for small spaces, but they could cost more energy than your HVAC if you’re trying to heat a large area. Never sleep with a space heater on or leave one unattended.
- Never use your oven, grill or clothes dryer to heat your home. They can build up dangerous carbon monoxide or cause a fire.
- Consider Getting a Generator: Generators are a great way to keep your lights on if there’s a power outage. Make sure you know how to use it, and always follow the manufacturer’s operating guide. NEVER use a generator indoors as they produce deadly carbon monoxide. Take a look at our generator safety video here.
- Use the Sun: Keep your blinds and curtains open when it’s sunny outside and let the sun warm your home. Be sure to close them when it gets dark to help keep the heat in.
- Put Together a Winter Weather Emergency Kit: You might have a hurricane prep kit on hand already that can double as a winter prep kit. If not, make sure you have easy access to things like flashlights, extra batteries, water, snacks and medications. These will all come in handy in case of a power outage. You might also want to keep an extra prep kit in your car in case you end up stranded during a sudden winter storm.
- Maintain Your Heating System: Your heating system works tirelessly to keep you warm during the winter months. Regular maintenance is crucial to make sure it operates at peak efficiency. A few things to keep in mind include replacing the filters as needed, scheduling annual inspections, and cleaning the ducts and vents.
- Check Your Doors and Windows: If you feel airflow around doors and windows, add weatherstripping or caulk to help keep cool air out and warm air in.
For more tips on winter preparation, visit the South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s website for a helpful winter weather guide. You also can follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
As always, we’re here for you, no matter what the weather brings. You can report outages at stormcenter.santeecooper.com or by calling 888-769-7688 and stay up to date with your daily energy use with MEL.
If you’d like to make monthly expense planning easier, consider Budget Billing, where you pay the same amount toward your electric bill every month. We review your usage at the end of the year and, if needed, settle the difference and adjust the next year’s average bill amount.
