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.