'Low-cost' adjustments to save Kansans money during winter weather

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas Gas Service (KGS) is sharing ways to save energy as severe winter weather is expected to come across northeast Kansas.

This weekend, severe winter weather is expected in many parts of Kansas. In response, the KGS is sharing ways people can stay warm while also saving money. The gas company says there are a few low-cost, no-cost adjustments that people can make to reduce their energy use during the winter months:

• Reduce the temperature on your water heater: Set your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or the “warm” setting. 
• Seal air leaks around doors and windows: Apply weather-stripping or caulk to seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors to keep warm air in and cold air out.
• Change or clean filters: A clean filter on your furnace can lower your energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
• Install foam gaskets on switches and outlets: Electrical switches and outlets can account for up to 10% of your home’s energy loss.
• Change the rotation of ceiling fans: Hot air rises, so reverse your ceiling fans to a clockwise rotation to push warm air downward.

Some more low-cost ideas include wearing layers of clothing when possible, and closing blinds or curtains to keep the warm air inside.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.