Energy audits and other measures could help Minnesotans save money on their heating bills, according to a news release from CenterPoint Energy in Minneapolis.
The company recommends several energy-saving ideas to help people cope with rising natural gas bills by cutting consumption. Gas prices are still higher than a year ago, despite a recent drop in prices.
An energy audit will tell customers where they are experiencing heat loss in their homes and how to improve their weather-stripping and insulation techniques.
CenterPoint offered several ways to manage higher gas prices:
- Schedule an annual tune-up to ensure that the heating system and other gas appliances are operating safely and efficiently.
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- Schedule an energy audit to receive information about ways to reduce energy use and lower energy bills.
- Place furniture away from vents and registers to avoid restricting airflow.
- Install weather stripping, caulk around windows and doors, and seal attic spaces to save energy.
- Install a programmable thermostat to regulate your home's temperature to conserve energy in both the summer and the winter months.
- Join a budget plan program to spread energy bills throughout the year and avoid peaks and valleys.
Customers who expect to have trouble paying their gas bills may call the company to set up a payment plan. Call 1-612-372-4680 or 1-800-729-6164 or visit the company's Web site at www.CenterPointEnergy.com/paybill .
Customers may call the company to schedule energy audits. More information about gas prices, payment options and energy-saving tips is available on the Web site.
The company's customers may also help others with their heat bills through the Salvation Army's HeatShare program. Visit www.Heatshare_MN.org to make a donation.
