Energy Advisor Tips

 Weatherproofing Your Home   

• Check for proper insulation.
   
• Check doors for escaping air.
   
• Check for cracks in foundation.
   
• Check the condition of the home exterior.
   

 Tree Planting Tips 

• The right tree planted in the right location can help lower heating and cooling bills.
   
• Careful positioning of a newly planted tree away from power lines will help reduce power outages and the need for costly tree trimming or removal as the trees mature.
   
• A deciduous tree planted to provide maximum shade on your home during the hot summer months can help ease the load on your air conditioner and substantially reduce operating costs.
   
• Evergreen trees make ideal windbreaks. Planted in the right place, they can effectively protect your home from the most blustery winter wind.
   
• Learn more Tree Planting Tips

 Heat Pump Tips 

• OPPD offers cooling and heating credit refunds to customers who purchase and install new high-efficiency heat pumps in a residential structure.
   
• OPPD will inspect new systems and verify that they're operating efficiently and economically.
   
• Heat Pumps are engineered to run year-round, and recent technological advances have greatly improved reliability. The typical life expectancy for an add-on heat pump is 15 years or more.

 Electric Safety 

• Check outlets and extension cords to make sure they aren't overloaded.
   
• Examine electrical cords to make sure they aren't frayed, damaged or placed under rugs or carpets.
   
• Make sure that the proper wattage light bulbs are being used in light fixtures.
   

 Appliances 

• Keep all electrical products and cords away from water. Consider installing ground fault circuit interrupters on outlets near water. Never reach into water to get an appliance that has fallen in without first unplugging the appliance.
   
• To avoid electric shock or damage to sensitive electronic equipment during a storm, unplug appliances before the storm hits, or install surge protection equipment.
   
• Test smoke detectors periodically.

 Children 

• Put safety covers on all wall outlets.
   
• Keep electrical cords out of reach and out of sight to avoid children or pets.

 Fuses and Circuit Breakers 

• Never replace a fuse or circuit breaker with one that exceeds the amperage rating for a given circuit.
   
• Avoid using several high-amperage appliances, such as microwaves, toasters, irons or other heat-producing appliances, on the same circuit.

 Power Tools 

• Use power tools outdoors only in dry weather. Stand on dry surfaces and use only dry materials.
   
• Tools should be properly grounded wherever you use them. Consider purchasing a ground fault circuit interrupter.
   
• Be sure all cords and plugs are in good condition.

 Safety Outdoors 

• When working with a metal ladder, watch where the ladder's top end goes. Position and move the ladder carefully, making sure that it is set securely away from power lines.
   
• Don't climb any tree or let children climb any tree that has power lines in or near it.
   
• For outdoor lighting and wiring, use only weather-proofed fixtures. Outside wiring and outlets should have special protection against moisture.

 Storm Tips 

• Call 1-800-554-6773 or your local OPPD office.
   
• Turn off most lights and unplug appliances and electronic equipment.
   
• Treat every line you see as though it is a LIVE WIRE.
   
• Be careful during clean-up work.
   
• Use extreme caution with power tools during clean-up activities.
   
• Keep a home emergency checklist of supplies.
   
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to help preserve food.

 Momentary Outages 

• Have home or office wiring checked to make sure you have proper grounding. "Stray" voltages should go into the ground, not into your computer or home appliances.
   
• When purchasing digital clocks, videocassette recorders, microwave ovens and appliances with programmable timers, consider models that have a battery carryover or backup.
   
• During lightning storms, OPPD's Surge Guard service can help protect sensitive, solid-state equipment such as stereos, VCRs and computers.
   
• A time-delay relay connected to your air conditioner will prevent it from starting for three to five minutes after a momentary power interruption, thus minimizing possible damage to the compressor.
   
• When working with a personal computer, save information to permanent memory storage regularly throughout the day. This will help minimize the loss of information should a momentary outage occur. If you use a personal computer, you may want to consider OPPD Surge Guard protection.