Tips for a Healthy Community
- In winter, close draperies at night to keep out cold and open them during the day to let in the sunlight.
- In summer, keep draperies closed during the day.
- For each degree you lower your thermostat below 72 degrees
Fahrenheit you will save about 7% on cooling costs.
- To keep your heating and cooling systems running efficiently, be sure to make frequent maintenance checks and repair any mechanical problems promptly.
- Lower water temperature from 140 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit on your standard-efficiency water heater and you could save from $45 a year on gas water heating to $131 on electric water heating.
- Repair all dripping water faucets as soon as possible. Two drops
per second amounts to 237 gallons per month!
- Take showers instead of baths. Showers on aver use one-half the water on baths.
- Use small appliances such as toasters, skillets, portable ovens, and microwaves instead of electric range or oven whenever possible.
- Before an outage, plan where to go should you need to leave. Make provisions for family members with special needs and infants.
- Have your paycheck or government checks sent directly to your bank account – many banks have senior citizens discounts.
- Don't hide keys in mailboxes and planters or under doormats.
Instead, leave an extra set of keys with a neighbor or friend.
- Ask for photo identification from service or delivery people before letting them in. If you are the least bit worried, call the company to verify.
Editorial excerpted with permission from Baltimore Gas and Electric Senior Source Guide.
