When the weather gets colder your furnace works harder to keep your home warm, which requires more electric usage. If you take steps to prepare for these cold temperatures, you can conserve energy and avoid a major spike in your usage.

 Consider doing the following to conserve energy:

• Bundle up before cranking up the thermostat
• Open blinds during the day to let the sun heat your home
• Close fireplace damper if you don't plan on using it - make sure to open them before using it again
• Use draft stoppers or towels at the base of exterior doors to keep the warm air inside
• Change furnace filters often
• Fans – reverse the circulation to push warm air down
• Wash full loads of dishes and clothes and take shorter showers
• Turn off electronics when not in use

You can find more ways to keep your home warm at BentonPUD.org/EnergySavings.