(Pensacola, FL, Friday, February 5, 2021) – When temperatures drop into the 40s and 30s in Northwest Florida, many people are surprised to learn that heating their home can cause a large rise in energy use, which leads to higher bills.

Sarah Gatewood, with Gulf Power, shares helpful tips on how to save energy and money while keeping warm.

SOUNDBITE #1:

WHEN HEATING YOUR HOME, SET YOUR THERMOSTAT TO SIXTY-EIGHT DEGREES AND KEEP YOUR FAN SET ON “AUTO.” EVERY DEGREE ABOVE SIXTY-EIGHT COULD ADD UP TO TEN PERCENT TO YOUR HEATING COSTS. YOU CAN ALSO HEAT YOUR HOME WITH THE SUN BY KEEPING YOUR SOUTH-FACING WINDOWS CLEAN, KEEPING CURTAINS OPEN DURING THE DAY AND THEN CLOSING THEM AT NIGHT, AND MAKING SURE YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS ARE CLOSED AND PROPERLY SEALED.

SOUNDBITE #2:

TURN DOWN THE TEMPERATURE ON YOUR WATER HEATER. LOWERING IT TO 115 DEGREES WILL STILL PROVIDE PLENTY OF HOT WATER. USE SPACE HEATERS SAFELY AND ONLY IN SMALL AREAS, AS THEY CAN USE A LOT OF ENERGY. YOU CAN ALSO USE ELECTRIC BLANKETS OR HEATED MATTRESS COVERS TO KEEP WARM AT NIGHT, BUT AGAIN, USE SAFELY AND AVOID RUNNING CORDS UNDER YOUR MATTRESS.

Learn more at GulfPower.com/waystosave for more ways to lower your energy bill this winter.