{"id":5096,"date":"2025-01-06T17:41:59","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T23:41:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/?p=5096"},"modified":"2025-01-06T17:42:07","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T23:42:07","slug":"polar-blast-coming-to-pa-save-energy-stay-warm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/polar-blast-coming-to-pa-save-energy-stay-warm\/","title":{"rendered":"Polar Blast Coming to PA, Save Energy &#038; Stay Warm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2>Protect Your Home and Wallet from Cold Weather<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/polar-votex-stay-warm-PA-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Keep your home warm! A chilly polar blast is coming to PA. With more coming soon, learn how you can save energy and money.\" class=\"wp-image-5107\" title=\"Protect Your Home and Wallet from Cold Weather\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/polar-votex-stay-warm-PA-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/polar-votex-stay-warm-PA-230x153.jpg 230w, https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/polar-votex-stay-warm-PA-350x233.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/polar-votex-stay-warm-PA-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/polar-votex-stay-warm-PA.jpg 724w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption><center><em>The polar vortex will be stretching across PA this week. Use our tips to help keep your home warm while still cutting your energy bills.<\/em><\/center><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Winter has arrived with a vengeance! The Polar Vortex has stretched across the US this weekend, dropping temperatures and bringing some of the worst <a href=\"https:\/\/forecast.weather.gov\/MapClick.php?lat=40.89651165400005&amp;lon=-77.83875077599998\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">winter weather<\/a> seen in decades. And PA is no exception to this- more snow, heavy mixed precipitation, high winds, and temperates in the single digits are expected this week. There are already alarms being raised about the <a href=\"https:\/\/insidelines.pjm.com\/cold-weather-advisory-issued-for-jan-8-12-for-pjms-western-region\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">cold weather advisory<\/a> straining the electrical grid. But thankfully, you can be prepared. Here&#8217;s what you need to know to keep your home warm and save with the best <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/best\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">electric supplier<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Stay Warm and Save Money<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping warm doesn&#8217;t have to break the bank. Firstly, set your thermostat to 68 degrees. Lowering your thermostat by even a few degrees can save on your electricity bill. Also, dress in layers. Start with an under layer of snug, moisture wicking fiber. Then put on an over layer of loose, heavy clothing will keep your body&#8217;s warmth radiating close to your skin. <br><br>There are cheap, short-term ways to insulate your home as well. Cover windows during harsh cold snaps. Use heavy curtains, blankets, or even shrink wrap plastic. These are quick and effective ways to reduce drafts and heat loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Stop Drafts to Save Energy <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstenergycorp.com\/content\/dam\/customer\/get-help\/files\/brochures\/100waysbrochure.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Sealing air leaks<\/a>\u00a0in your home keeps the bitter cold and humid air outside. So your home stays at a comfortable temperature more easily. And\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/energysaver\/do-it-yourself-savings-project-using-caulk-seal-air-leaks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">caulking air leaks<\/a>\u00a0is an easy DIY project, that can save you 10%-20% on your energy bill! And it&#8217;s easy to find air leaks when it&#8217;s cold outside.<br><br>You can check for air leaks using a candle or incense. Hold the candle or incense near potential air leak points, such as dryer vents, attic hatches, and outdoor faucets.\u00a0If the smoke moves unsteadily or flame flickers, you likely have a leak on your hands. Also consider an infrared thermometer with humidity sensor, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/MESTEK-Thermometer-Temperature-Measurement-Adjustable\/dp\/B0BCQ9WLC3\/ref=sr_1_5?c=ts&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.mAB_Gin4jJ_o9a_UcO0QTdEJ0btH8DknOZW114uD7j8Ymy2DhKp0itoQPkgjju0sGwQK1S426H1H9TUGtIRCG7WtLsmUuP3lXdqFpFeaGcCIgMcPhHj0N4HjpI5TsYF0fZEQJExd7NCbHpULvk4K0sK5xG33uKg14-UWpSmH2PQr6a1gaYfxZp3wyKl7s1I8enFp9LFH824gZbeH3fHBu-cs1repaxDTJtlKSg2CYffPtcCKxO3jKq0x7s5JdkS2DBPtXSv5EdeaaERLiJiC_ezHvhK5fsBOzWLFuJUmkRUHvWbsupXj-qyN1B0IxLibH9JtUV-ZcLqg7uTf0g8d301KccdwfxWxlvH1ID8FErI.MIrYJ00di4gYtjgXDjAVtQ0DeTmSBwaxpHLeWtlLB2A&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=Temperature+%26+Humidity+Measurement&amp;qid=1736183175&amp;s=industrial&amp;sr=1-5&amp;ts_id=5006566011\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">this one<\/a>. As a bonus it can be used for cooking!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cold air and drafts can also seep in through the smallest spaces in your home. That includes seeping around windows, doors, and even around plumbing. Use caulk and weatherstripping make sure windows and doors close up snug. Check over\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/energysaver\/weatherize\/air-sealing-your-home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">plumbing areas<\/a>\u00a0where cold air can sneak in. You can use caulk or expanding foam to seal around pipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Stay Safe and Warm During Polar Blast <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Heating your home safely is important. If you have a natural gas stove or oven, do not use it to heat your home as it will give off dangerous carbon monoxide. Instead, rely on space heaters or fireplaces and be sure to keep drapes, bedding, or furniture 3 feet away from them. Make sure your CO and fire alarms are up to date. And finally, if you\u2019re using a kerosene heater or fireplace, keep your home well ventilated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Losing electricity during a winter storm can be scary. During winter\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/the-7-must-do-things-when-the-power-goes-out-in-philly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">power outage<\/a>, block off unused rooms and gather everyone together in one room in the center of your home. This way you can conserve heat and monitor each for signs of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/disasters\/winter\/staysafe\/hypothermia.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">hypothermia and frostbite<\/a>. Keep blankets, flashlights, and batteries on hand. And if your home\u2019s temperature falls too low to be safe, move to a community warming center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Keep Warm and Your Winter Electric Bills Low<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping up with winter weather is hard enough, you shouldn\u2019t have to worry about your electricity rate too. If you want to find the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/electricity-rates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best electricity rate<\/a>, we have the solution for you. Browse\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/read-reviews\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reviews<\/a>, find a great electricity rate, and save money this winter. Visit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Protect Your Home and Wallet from Cold Weather Winter has arrived with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":5106,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mbp_gutenberg_autopost":false},"categories":[9,12,49,38,105],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5096"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5096"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5096\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5109,"href":"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5096\/revisions\/5109"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5106"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5096"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5096"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5096"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}