By conserving energy, Texans can both save money and improve safety during the winter months.
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Natural gas and electricity use typically increases during the colder winter months — and that translates to higher utility bills. But strategies also exist for conserving power and still staying warm.
Just below we’ve reproduced six energy saving tips for home consumers as winter approaches:
- Wear a sweater. Save energy by lowering your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day (and 58 degrees when you are away from home).
- Reduce your shower time. Showering and bathing can account for 40 percent of your home’s hot water use. So less show time equals more savings.
- Lower your water heater temperature. Water heating accounts for as much as a quarter of the energy consumed in your home. Lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees to save money.
- Do not use a pool heater. Instead, run your pool pump to circulate the water and prevent freezing during the winter months.
- Fully loaded! Operate your clothes washer, dryer, and dishwasher only when fully loaded.
- Keep the warm air in. Unless a fire is burning, close your fireplace damper to prevent warm air from escaping through the chimney.
Atmos Energy, a north Texas gas utility, also tells its customers that if service lapses for any reason, they should reach out for a reconnection before cold weather sets in. The company’s customer service division can be reached at 888 286-6700 Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time. Atmos Energy also maintains an online Account Center on its website, www.atmosenergy.com, where customers can report outages.
Sign Up for Text Alerts
The company communicates regularly with customers and communities before, during, and after extreme weather events, including through text alerts. To sign up for text alerts, adjust your notification preferences in the Account Center.