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Now that the Christkindlmarket is accepting visitors in Chicago, skaters are circling the ice rink at the Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C., and the lights are on for the Miracle on 34^th Street in Baltimore, it’s safe to say that we’ve officially entered the winter season.

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Across É«ÖÐÉ«, we have also been gearing up for the winter season and preparing to make sure that our customers have the energy they depend on to stay warm all season long. As winter sets in and the temperatures drop across our regions, we’re taking steps to ensure our local energy grids are strengthened to deliver resilient and reliable heating.

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According to the , on average, you can save up to 20 percent of your home’s heating and cooling costs or up to 10 percent on its total energy costs by simply adding insulation and working to reduce unwanted air leaks around your house. By taking important winter readiness steps, you can keep your home and yourself snug – all while saving money.Ìý

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Five Steps to Prepare for Winter and Conserve Energy

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1 – Service Heating Systems in Advance

By servicing your before severe weather, you can ensure you’re not caught off guard and ready for any temperature drops. Having a system that’s tuned up and properly maintained, can ensure it last longer while also operating more efficiently. For those with gas heating systems, a tune up can also prevent incidents of carbon monoxide exposure by allowing professionals to test, service and maintain your home heating.

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2 – Change Air and Furnace Filters

Not only can swapping out air filters increase your home’s air quality, but it can also improve your energy efficiency. Dirty and clogged air filters cause your HVAC and furnace systems to use more energy when pushing air through the system. The Department of Energy that replacing a dirty or clogged filter can lower your energy consumption by as much as 15 percent. By frequently changing and monitoring air and furnace filters, you can also help the lifespan of your system.

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3 – Prepare Windows and Doors

Windows and doors can be a major source of heat insulation but can also contribute to letting heat out of the home. Consider windows and doors on older entryways in order to improve energy efficiency and lower your monthly costs. ENERGY STAR of home windows and doors, along with rebates that can offer greater savings based on where you live and the winter conditions there.

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4 – Update and Improve Insulation

Insulation can help your home when resisting the elements outdoors, while improving the heat flow indoors – both areas that can help lower your winter heating bills. By updating and improving home insulation from the roof down to the foundation, it’s possible to improve your indoor comfort, while controlling moisture and air sealing.Ìý The now offers a way to identify safer and more sustainable insulation options.

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5 – Be Prepared with an Emergency Winter Kit

Winter weather presents various hazards for every region and does not require a snowstorm to prepare in advance. Dangerously low temperatures, gale-force wind, ice and freezing rain, along with snowy conditions can all impact heating, electricity and outdoor conditions. By having an emergency outage kit for the winter, you can be prepared and ready to respond. The Edison Electric Institute has assembled a that could be useful during a potential winter outage.

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Discover some of the ways our É«ÖÐÉ« family of operating companies are also preparing to support customers during the winter and holiday season below.

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Atlantic City Electric:

BGE:

ComEd:

Delmarva Power & Light:

PECO:

Pepco:

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