Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

Message from the Consumers' Counsel:

Energy Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn how efficiency will lead to savings and a brighter future

As we enter the winter heating season, it is timely that we commit to applying smart energy tips this month. Reserving a specific time to reflect on the importance of energy efficiency began in 1981 with American Energy Week. Although it is important to think about energy efficiency year round, since 1985 there has been a special month-long observance. This year, Energy Awareness Month is being celebrated in October.

Energy Awareness Month is the perfect time to put thoughts into action. Experts at the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel anticipate that while natural gas rates may be lower than those of last year, they will still be high in comparison to prices over the last several years. One long-term weather forecast predicts a colder than normal January and February, which could mean that many residents will run their furnaces more often than last year, when we experienced a warm winter by Ohio standards.

Consumers should contact a professional to have their furnace inspected to be certain it is working properly and efficiently, especially if they have an older heating system that has not been checked in a number of years. Also they should be sure to regularly check the filter, which may need to be changed monthly or cleaned on a regular basis. A dirty filter can cause a furnace to run hotter and longer to get to the desired house temperature.

Close in location to the furnace is often the water heater, which can use between 15 to 20 percent of a home's total energy. The temperature setting on the tank should be set between 115 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit for most common uses. Higher temperatures cause more heat to be lost from the water tank. An insulation blanket is one way hot water temperatures can be maintained while the addition of electric heat tape or foam rubber insulation around pipes also will reduce heat loss and lessen the chance of water freezing.

The Consumers' Counsel provides tips year round to help residents control their energy and save money. For additional tips, visit the energy efficiency section of our website.

Best regards,

Janine L. Migden-Ostrander