Dominion Energy Ohio reminds customers an annual furnace inspection, by a qualified, reputable heating contractor, can help ensure maximum winter heating safety, comfort and efficiency.
An annual appliance inspection also can prevent any potential carbon monoxide problems. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors provide a second line of defense, but they should not be used as a substitute for an annual furnace inspection. Combined with an annual inspection, however, a single CO detector, placed in the sleeping area of a home offers additional peace of mind.
Dominion Energy Ohio also offers home energy assessments for just $50 to eligible residential customers, providing ways to save money year-round on home cooling and heating costs. The audits are available through the company’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program, administered by CLEAResult.
The program includes a home energy assessment to help diagnose high utility usage and other home comfort issues, and then provides rebates of up to $1,250 for completion of recommended energy-efficiency improvements. Dominion Energy Ohio customers may call 877.287.3416 to schedule an assessment or visit deohpwes.com for program details and eligibility information.
The assessment is the first step in the program. An energy auditor visits customers’ homes to help pinpoint energy losses through diagnostic testing and a professional evaluation. Following the energy assessment, customers receive a customized energy report with the results, plus recommendations and rebates available through the program.
Recommended improvements typically include air sealing and insulation, HVAC equipment upgrades, window and door replacements, plus much more. These improvements can help customers decrease utility bills, while increasing home comfort, safety, durability and resale value.
Residential customers also may receive such products as a programmable thermostat or carbon monoxide detector, high-efficiency showerheads, and water-saving faucet aerators at no cost (a $100 value). Customers also can use these no-cost/low-cost tips to get the most from their energy dollars this winter heating season:
• Save Money by Degrees: Dominion Energy Ohio also notes that customers can save from 10 to 15 percent on annual heating costs by setting the thermostat at 68 degrees during the day and down to 58 degrees at night, or when the resident is at work or away for an extended period.
• Caulk Around: Use inexpensive caulking around the fireplace mantle, inside windows and storm windows, electrical receptacle boxes, exhaust fan openings, pipes leading to bathroom fixtures, mortar cracks in chimneys, cracks in basement walls. Be sure to caulk around areas where the foundation meets the first floor plate and basement windows.
• Draft Stoppers: Block off drafts at the bottom of doors with a rolled up rug or bath towel. You also can make a long, narrow beanbag to fit against the bottom of the door.
• Switch Off Drafts: To seal off drafts, apply self-adhesive foam strips to the back of wall plates for electrical outlets and switches.
