State agency offers tips for keeping the cold out

Kimberley McGee

Monday, Jan. 1, 2001 | 10:07 a.m.

There is a chill in the air, and Timothy Hay wants to keep it out of your heated home.

Hay, chief deputy attorney general of the Bureau of Consumer Protection and a Nevada consumer advocate, has compiled a list of strategies to keep houses cozy and warm this winter -- at a minimum of expense.

"Collectively (these suggestions) can have an impact on the amount of energy a household uses," he said. "If you are very sensitive to your energy use, you could probably shave 25 percent off your bill."

The Bureau of Consumer Protection was created in 1981 to represent small energy users as a response to utility price hikes.

"Sort of what we will be experiencing soon," Hay said, in reference to an expected rise in gas and power rates in the near future.

His office also ensures that the use of natural gas and electric services as basic necessities don't economically burden low-income families or individuals.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program pays $120 to $600 annually to the gas or power company to ease the financial burden on eligible low-income households.

For more information, the Nevada Welfare Division can be contacted at (800) 992-0900, ext. 4420. Participation in the program, however, has been fairly low, Hay said.

"Part of it is lack of visibility of the program. Also a factor is that it is federally funded, and the funding levels have not been adequate."

The expected rise in cost for utilities may make people take notice of what they are spending to heat, clean and live in their homes.

"People will become more aware of the energy (situation)," Hay said. "You are going to see more people interested in programs and (ways) to help manage bills."

By practicing the following tips, Hay said, average consumers can keep more of their money safely tucked in their wallets. (Additional tips are available at ag.state.nv.us):

Have the furnace serviced by a qualified professional to make sure it is efficient, and maintain the appliance by changing the filter monthly.

Add insulation to the attic to seal in warmth, and wrap exposed heating ducts and hot-water pipes for more efficient output.

Keep it down -- the thermostat that is -- to a comfortable 68 degrees. Use a programmable thermostat, set at 62 degrees, while you're away from home. The devices can be purchased at hardware stores for about $20 and do not require professional installation.

Open drapes and blinds to let sun rays warm chilly rooms.

Let laundry and dishes pile up until there are enough to wash a full load in the washing machine and dishwasher. Save hot water for showers.

Watch that temperature of the water heater, keeping it on a comfortable -- not boiling -- setting. (A family of five may want a higher temperature setting of 120 degrees on its water heater, however, so that the last one in doesn't get a cold shower.)

Newer houses are fairly well insulated, Hay said, but may need a bit of beefing up around outside door frames with weather stripping and caulking around windows.

In older homes, Hay suggests replacing older appliances with newer, more energy-efficient ones.

Following these steps, along with making a few other minor adjustments, he said, will ensure that a home's energy hums along efficiently.