Press Release

PUC Reminds Consumers to Make an Earth Day Pledge by Offering Spring Cleaning Tips to Save Energy

Published on 4/17/2008

Filed under: Electric Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – To continue its “Earth Day Pledge” initiative by offering conservation tips to Pennsylvania utility customers, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reminds consumers to save energy by doing a little spring cleaning around their homes. 

Consumers should check and clean their dryer exhaust vents on a regular basis and remove lint after each load.  As lint builds up in the vent, it reduces the dryer’s energy efficiency and may create a fire hazard.  When moving furniture during spring cleaning, be sure not to block or restrict air flow by placing large items over heating and cooling registers.  This will make your heating system and air conditioner have to work harder.

“As consumers begin their spring cleaning this season, it is important for them to know that a few simple household chores could create a significant savings on their energy bills,” said PUC Vice Chairman James H. Cawley.  “Consumers can make a pledge this Earth Day to be more energy efficient by checking those chores off their spring cleaning to-do lists.”

As the warmer weather approaches, consumers will be relying more on air conditioners to keep their homes or apartments cool.  To prevent the cool temperature from escaping, consumers should weather strip all doors and windows.  A quarter-inch gap at the base of a three-foot wide exterior door leaks as much air as a three-inch hole in the wall of a home. 

Spring is also a good time of the year to perform any routine maintenance on the furnace to keep it safe and more energy efficient by replacing dirty filters.   Consumers should also check their hot water tanks to make sure they are performing efficiently.  The hot water tank is usually the second greatest energy user in a home and consumers may see significant savings by lowering the water temperature setting to 120 degrees.

All this week and continuing until Earth Day, April 22, the Commission will distribute conservation tips for consumers, including guidance on how to conserve water and ways to make your home more energy efficient.  For additional information and conservation tips, visit the Consumer Education section of our Web site.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov