Tips for conserving heat in your home during dangerously low temperatures
When the weather outside is frightful, the warmth inside feels so nice. During dangerously low temperatures, there are simple ways Minnesotans can conserve energy in their homes and body heat.
(FOX 9) – When the weather outside is frightful, the warmth inside feels so delicious. During dangerously low temperatures, there are simple ways Minnesotans can conserve energy in their homes and body heat.
“Despite how cold it is, it’s not even close to what we’re prepared to do. We’re prepared for when it’s minus 25 for three straight days,” said Ross Corson, a spokesman for CenterPoint Energy.
To help conserve energy and save money, the natural gas company recommends homeowners check their furnace filters and turn down the temperature and thermostats on their water heaters.
“If you’re comfortable, maybe set your thermostat to 65 degrees when you’re home at night. When you’re away, maybe turn it down another five degrees or so,” Corson said.
Thursday was a sunny day, and Corson said it was a prime example of why people should keep their blinds open during the day and close them at night once the sun has gone down.
“If someone’s heat goes out, their furnace is out, we consider it an emergency, especially in weather conditions like this. And we try to respond the same day,” he explained.
Utilities are urging customers to save energy as wholesale natural gas prices have risen in recent days due to increased demand in the United States.
In the event of power outages, Xcel Energy recommends staying away from downed power lines and keeping the refrigerator closed as much as possible. A full freezer will stay in sub-zero temperatures for about two days and a half-full freezer for about a day.
Icicles hang from a roof (FOX 9)
Minnesotans should also try to conserve body heat during dangerously low temperatures.
“Hat, scarves — really cover your face, especially with this wind that’s supposed to be coming and wind chill,” said Dr. Joey Duren, chief medical officer for Allina Health EMS and an emergency physician at United Hospital.
When it’s so cold outside, Duren said hydration and loose clothing are key. She recommended layers in the following order:
Base layer: wool or synthetic fabricInsulation layer: fleece or downFinal layer: something windproof and waterproof
Here’s Duren’s full explanation: “So base layers like wool or synthetics. You want base layers that wick moisture away from you, so cotton is probably the worst to wear alone because it can hold moisture together.” to their skin and really cool your skin down. And then you want an insulation layer with fleece or down. And then the last layer you want is something windproof, waterproof to really retain all that heat.”
When it’s this cold, he said doctors are also worried about hypothermia, frostbite and frostbite. Anyone who thinks they are experiencing one of these conditions should go in immediately and then begin to gently warm the skin.
“If you’re experiencing numbness, extreme pain that doesn’t go away with that, then that could be the point where you need to seek medical attention. There are things we need to do to try to prevent permanent or ongoing damage at that point,” Duren explained.
Source: news.google.com