WISCONSIN — As Wisconsin continues to see snow in the forecast for winter, Xcel Energy and Generac shared tips on preparing for a power outage, staying safe and saving money.
Preparing for a power outage
Check your devices
Before a winter storm, Generac said you should ensure your electronics are fully charged or have a battery-powered emergency radio, so you can check weather conditions and stay up-to-date on any other information.
Have snacks and water
Generac suggested buying water and other non-perishable, nutritious food items that don't require refrigeration or heat. That's so you still have something safe to eat in case the power goes out.
Unplug devices
If the power goes out, Generac said you should unplug all your devices, as they can cause damage in the event of an electrical surge when power is restored.
Portable generators
Prior to any winter storm, make sure the fuel supply on your portable generator is stable and ready for use so that it's safe to operate. Generac said if operating at a 50% load, generators can run between nine and 11 hours on 6 to 7 gallons of fuel.
However, it may be best to have a more secure backup source of power.
"It's important to consider all available options when thinking about backup power during winter," said Kyle Raabe, president of Consumer Power for Generac. "While portable generators can easily power up a few appliances straight out of the box, automatic home standby generators offer greater peace of mind and can run continuously until utility power is restored."
You can monitor power outages with Generac's Power Outage Tool.
Safety
Avoid downed power lines
Xcel Energy said people should assume electric lines are energized and dangerous, even if it is on or near the ground. People should “never, under any circumstance, touch or move a downed power line.” If you see one, you are advised to leave the area.
Downed power lines should be reported immediately. Xcel Energy can be contacted at 1-800-895-1999. We Energies can be contacted at 800-662-4797.
Keep natural gas meters clear
Snow and ice need to be cleared from natural gas meters to avoid natural gas buildup indoors. Clearing meters prevents vents from becoming sealed when they are covered in ice or snow.
Xcel Energy said to keep the entire meter assembly clear, remove snow or ice from the meter, piping and roofline above the meter. Xcel Energy also said to make sure melting snow or ice does not drip on to the meter. Xcel Energy also advised using a shovel to move snow, not a snowblower.
Heating safety
If you use a space heater, make sure it does not have cracked or broken plugs or connections before use. Space heaters that are frayed, worn or damaged should not be used.
Xcel Energy said to never go to sleep with a space heater on, and said to not leave it unattended. Space heaters should be turned off when you leave the room. Every year, more than 65,000 homes catch fire in the U.S. because of heating equipment, according to Xcel Energy.
Xcel Energy also advised to read instructions and warning labels, and to ensure “it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory.”
Saving
Lower thermostats
Lowering your thermostat by a few degrees can save money on your next energy bill. Xcel Energy said, ideally, thermostats should be at 68 degrees or lower.
Xcel Energy also recommended adjusting programmable thermostats to automatically lower the temperature while you sleep or are not in your home.
Maximize heat
When it’s light outside, opening drapes and blinds can bring heat into the home from direct sunlight. Closing drapes and blinds when it’s dark outside helps retain heat indoors.
If you have a ceiling fan, Xcel Energy said running it clockwise pushes warm air down from the ceiling.
Additionally, keeping interior doors open can circulate air freely through the home, helping to maintain constant heat. Making sure exterior doors are fully closed will ensure heat does not escape from your home.
Sealing up windows can help keep heat inside. Homeowners can also consider having their house “evaluated for leaky ducts, drafts around doors and windows, fireplace dampers and other places where air might escape,” Xcel Energy said.
Clean your filter
If your furnace filter is dirty, airflow is reduced, which means your furnace is working harder and using more energy. Changing the filter once a month throughout the winter can reduce heating costs by 5% to 15%, according to Xcel Energy.
Insulation
“Improving the insulation of walls, crawl spaces, floors, and heating ducts is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy costs,” Xcel Energy shared in a statement. The company said improving insulation could save homeowners up to 10% on energy bills.
Insulating water heaters can also increase their efficiency. The proper temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but dropping it to 110 degrees Fahrenheit could save money.
Cooking
Xcel Energy recommended using oven lights and timers to avoid opening the oven unnecessarily when cooking. When someone opens the oven door, the temperature drops by 25 degrees.
Putting lids on pots and pans will also speed up cooking times and keep the heat where it’s intended to be.
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