Cold Weather Tips

thermometerStay Safe – and Warm – in Cold Weather

The cold continues across our area with near freezing temperatures still in the forecast for the next few days. As we continue to cope with this unusually long stretch of cold weather, Bartow Electric is encouraging customers use energy wisely – and safely. 

The City constantly monitors the weather and is prepared to respond to any impact to our service territory, but encourages customers to conserve energy wherever possible as demand rises during extreme cold. While portable heaters or other electronic warming appliances are useful options as the temperatures drop, the Bartow Fire Department also stresses the importance of exercising caution while using these devices.

Below are tips to help your family and property stay safe and warm.

 Stay safeelectric heater

  • Keep space heaters off carpet, walls and furniture. 
    • Plug directly into a wall outlet to reduce overheating and fire risk from extension cords or power strips.
  • Turn off and unplug when not in use.
  • Never tuck in electric blankets. 
    • Like space heaters, plug blankets directly into the wall. 
  • Unplug heating devices before falling asleep and when not in use.
  • To avoid not only the risk of fire but also the release of dangerous gases, NEVER use your stove, oven or grill to heat your home. 
  • When using your fireplace, make sure the flue is open, use a safety screen and never leave a fire or smoldering embers unattended.
  • Cover exposed water pipes and spigots. 
  • If you live in a house, allow a trickle of water to flow through exposed pipes or faucets that share an exterior wall when temps dip below 32 degrees to prevent the water inside from freezing.
  • Keep pool pumps running when temps are forecast to dip below 32 degrees so their supply lines do not freeze, but turn off during the peak hours of 6 to 9am on Sunday and Monday.
  • Insulate pipes connected to solar water heating systems to prevent freezing.

Conserve sweaterenergy

  • Set your thermostat at 68° or lower and your unit's fan to "auto."  If you're away from home, set the temp to 65°. Every degree makes a difference!
  • Avoid drastic temperature changes on your thermostat to prevent the use of auxiliary heat, which can drastically raise your energy bill.
  • Break out those cozy sweaters and socks - it's their time to shine!
  • Close blinds or drapes to keep the cold air out, and open them during the day to let the warm sunshine in.
  • Reverse ceiling fans to circulate warm air. Fans should rotate clockwise at a low speed during winter.
  • Keep garage doors closed to help maintain indoor heat.
  • Conserve as much energy as possible during the peak periods between 6 and 9am and 6 to 9pm. Using electricity wisely during these times helps manage system demand, lower your utility bill and reduce overall power costs for the community.
  • Turn off pool heaters during peak hours.
  • Avoid charging electric vehicles during peak hours.
  • Reduce use of hot water during peak periods.