With the first days of spring, Chairman Charlotte R. Lane of the Public Service Commission of West Virginia would like to offer you some energy-saving tips:

• Install adequate insulation in your attic, walls, basement, crawl spaces and floors. Insulate and weather-strip the accesses to your attic, and caulk around windows and doors to seal cracks.
• Wrap insulation around ductwork that runs through basements, garages or crawl spaces. Place foam gaskets behind light switches and outlet covers to prevent air coming in from the wall space.
• Close off unoccupied rooms and shut off air conditioning vents in those rooms.
• Clean air registers and intake vents regularly. Make sure they are not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes.
• Close fireplace damper tightly during summer months.
• Close drapes, blinds or shades during the day on windows that receive direct sunlight to retain cooler air in your home.
• Set your ceiling fan blades to turn counterclockwise so the air is pushed down toward the floor for more efficient cooling.
• Clean or replace air conditioner filters monthly. Have your cooling systems inspected and, if necessary, adjusted annually.
• If your central air conditioner or appliances are more than 15 years old, consider replacing them with an Energy Star* qualified unit.
• Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your home’s temperature when you are away or sleeping.
• Use energy-saving settings on all electric appliances.
• Wash only full loads of clothes and clean the dryer’s lint screen after each use.
• Preheat the oven for the least amount of time possible. Cook several dishes in the oven at the same time.

* Energy Star products are independently certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality. Saving energy helps prevent climate change. Look for the Energy Star label to save money on your energy bills and help protect our environment.