With the coldest days of winter ahead, CenterPoint Energy is reminding customers about simple energy-saving and safety steps to help lower heating bills, while continuing to stay safe and warm this winter.

Customers who believe they may have trouble paying their heating bills this winter should contact CenterPoint Energy to set up a payment arrangement. Customers can also find out if they are eligible for energy assistance programs to help pay their bills.

To learn more, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.

Energy-saving Tips

• Make sure your heating system is operating safely and efficiently. An annual inspection and tune-up by a qualified technician are recommended.
• Change or clean your furnace filter regularly. This helps maximize your furnace’s efficiency and life.
• Turn down your thermostat. By lowering your thermostat by 7-10 degrees at night or when you’re away for at least eight hours, you can potentially save 10% on your heating costs. With a programmable thermostat, you can have your heating system work around your schedule. 
• Keep warm air in and cold air out of your home. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. Close fireplace dampers when not in use, so you don’t lose heat. Find out more about free and low-cost energy efficiency products offered to CenterPoint customers at CenterPointEnergy.com/DIYNow.
• Open curtains and blinds during the day. This allows the sun to warm your house. Close curtains and blinds at night, so you don’t lose heat when the sun sets.
• Circulate warm air with your ceiling fans. Set your ceiling fans to turn clockwise slowly to move warm air from the ceiling to your living levels.

To learn more, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/EnergySavingTips.

Safety Tips

• Use space heaters safely. Make sure your space heater has an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from it. A space heater that uses natural gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.
• Test your carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms to make sure they work properly. Change batteries regularly. Alarms don’t last forever, so replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 
• Know the signs of CO poisoning. Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If you suspect you could have CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
• Immediately report a suspected natural gas leak. If you smell the “rotten egg” odor of natural gas, immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-296-9815. Don’t use electric switches and outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or close to the location or do anything that could cause a spark.

To learn more about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.

CenterPoint Energy is Minnesota’s largest natural gas utility, serving the energy needs of more than 910,000 residential and business customers.