As colder weather approaches, Alabama Power offers tips on ways to stay warm and save on energy bill this winter season.

  Give your water heater a wrap -- Save energy by placing an insulating
  blanket around your water heater.  These inexpensive, easy-to-install
  blankets are available at most home improvement and building supply
  stores.

  Use a ceiling fan or room fan -- Use a small room fan to distribute heated
  air.  A ceiling fan, switched to reverse, can circulate warmer air trapped
  near the ceiling.

  Reset the thermostat -- Try adjusting your thermostat to 68 degrees or
  below during the day, and even lower at night.  Make sure heating outlets
  and return air registers are free of obstructions and are not blocked by
  furniture, draperies, doors or other obstacles.

  Filters are Important -- Change your air filters once a month; clean
  filters help your system run more efficiently.

  A little insulation goes a long way -- Check windows and doors for drafts;
  use attic insulation, weather stripping, caulking and door brushes to keep
  warm air in, and cold air out.

  Vents and Fireplaces -- Close vents and louvers in the attic or foundation
  during the winter.  And make sure you close the flue when your fireplace
  is not in use.

  Use the sunlight -- Open the shades during the day in rooms that receive
  direct sunlight.  Use insulating drapes in rooms that do not get much sun.
  Leave draperies open on sunny days so your house will absorb the sun's
  heat.  Close them on the shaded side of the house and at night.

  Cooking Tips -- Oven cooking is more economical than surface cooking.
  Save time and energy by using one oven to prepare the entire meal.  A pie
  or cake can go into the oven as a main dish is removed.  If the food must
  be kept warm for an extended period of time, set the oven no higher than
  140 to 200 degrees.

        Cook by time and temperature.  Precise timing eliminates repeated
        opening of the oven door to check on cooking progress.  Each time
        the door is opened, the temperature drops 25 to 50 degrees.

        Use a slow-cooker or crock pot to cook stews and other single-dish
        meals.  You'll save energy, time and effort.

For more tips on staying warm this winter, energy efficient appliances or for information about obtaining a free, energy efficiency survey of your home, call Alabama Power at 1-800-254-2244 or log on to the web site at www.alabamapower.com .

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SOURCE: Alabama Power