CHARLESTON, W.Va., December 8, 2010 – Appalachian Power offers energy efficiency tips throughout the year, but this week’s cold-front is a reminder that it’s time to put those conservation measures in place before the winter electric heating bills arrive. Taking action now can help prevent a big electric bill in a few weeks.
 
“Colder temperatures outdoors means that electric heating equipment works overtime to keep living areas warm, which naturally results in higher bills,” said Jaime Beckelhimer, customer services manager – field operations.  “Fortunately, there are simple, often low-cost things customers can do to help ensure that the heated air they’re paying for doesn’t escape,” said Beckelhimer.
 
Appalachian Power recently conducted a series of home energy audits with customers and consistently found three problem areas contributing to wasted electricity. The following solutions are recommended to hold down usage:
 
Air Leaks
Air leaks let cold air in and hot air out, making heating systems work harder to keep living areas comfortable
•Caulk, seal and use weather stripping to prevent air leaks around windows and doors, dryer vents, chimneys, receptacles and other areas where you can feel cold air.
•Check ductwork in attic and crawlspace to ensure it has not become disconnected or obstructed.
 
Lack of Insulation
The most common contributor to a big electric bill is often a lack of insulation.
•Check the insulation in attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl space. Increase your attic insulation if the joists are showing.
For recommended insulation levels, visit the Energy Star website: (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_sealing.hm_improvement_insulation_table)
 
Lack of heating system maintenance
Heating system problems often go unnoticed until a big electric bill arrives.
Have a professional heating contractor check heating equipment regularly and test ductwork to locate and seal leaks. Loose, broken ductwork accounts for 15-35% of a home’s energy loss.
•Change furnace filters per manufacturer’s suggestion,. A clean furnace runs more safely and efficiently.
There are many other low-cost, no-cost winter heating ideas at AppalachianPower.com including a downloadable self-explanatory home energy audit as well as online energy calculators.
Customers are encouraged to   sign up for the Average Monthly Payment plan which allows them to smooth out high usage bills over a 12-month period without the fear of paying a high settlement amount at the end of the billing year. Plus, deferred balances carry zero interest.
 
Appalachian Power has almost 1 million customers in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee (as AEP Appalachian Power). It is a unit of American Electric Power, one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, which delivers electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states. AEP ranks among the nation’s largest generators of electricity, owning nearly 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the U.S. AEP also owns the nation’s largest electricity transmission system, a nearly 39,000-mile network that includes more 765 kilovolt extra-high voltage transmission lines than all other U.S. transmission systems combined. 
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