Winter Energy and Money Saving Tips

Are you ready for winter? For DC residents, failing to prepare your home for winter can cause a snowball effect.

Be Ready for Winter Weather

Always have the following supplies on-hand to be prepared for a major snowstorm or power outage (Espanol).

  • ✓ Snow shovel
  • ✓ Rock salt, snow-melt, or sand
  • ✓ Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
  • ✓ Cell phone and portable charger
  • ✓ Non-perishable food (3-day supply) and a manual can opener
  • ✓ Portable space heater or kerosene heater
  • ✓ Flashlight with extra batteries
  • ✓ Family communication plan
  • ✓ Extra blankets
  • ✓ First-aid kit
  • ✓ Extra water (3-day supply)
  • ✓ Prescription medication (consult with your doctor about storing medicine)
  • ✓ Cash

Prepare Your Home

As the calendar changes, get ahead of the coming cold weather and winterize your home (Espanol).

Exterior
  • ✓ Have roof inspection for missing or loose shingles
  • ✓ Inspect for clean gutters and downspouts
  • ✓ Caulk windows and weather-strip doors
  • ✓ Switch screens to storm windows
  • ✓ NTurn off water supply to outside faucets
  • ✓ Disconnect garden hoses outside faucets and drain the hose before you store them
  • ✓ Drain exterior water faucets of water in the line
  • ✓ Use an insulated cover for the outside faucet

Reduce Energy Costs

Take these small steps to manage your energy costs (Espanol).

  • ✓ Review and compare previous bills to monitor energy usage
  • ✓ Sign up for an online account with Pepco and/or Washington Gas for a more detailed accounting of your energy usage
  • ✓ Browse offers to switch your electric supplier using DC Power Connect
  • ✓ Apply for discount programs (LIHEAP, UDP, WAP) from the District Department of Energy & Environment
  • ✓ Hire a professional auditor or conduct a DIY energy audit
  • ✓ Use a programmable thermostat to lower temperatures at night or when you leave home
  • ✓ If you have a fireplace, remember to close the damper when it’s not in use
  • ✓ If you use electric space heaters, purchase a unit with automatic shut-off
  • ✓ Eliminate drafts under the door by using draft stopper(s)
  • ✓ If you have ceiling fans, run them in reverse
  • ✓ Cover draughty windows with plastic
  • ✓ In older homes, insulate the attic
  • ✓ Use energy efficient light bulbs
  • ✓ Put caulk plates around outlets
  • ✓ Insulate pipes

Мore resources