Bluewater Power is sharing some low-cost tips to help keep your home warm as temperatures plummet across the region.
Environment Canada issued a cold warning for Sarnia-Lambton as bitterly cold conditions are expected to persist through Friday and into Saturday morning. Lambton Public Health also issued a cold weather alert that is expected to remain in effect all weekend.
Bluewater Power President and CEO Janice McMichael-Dennis said one thing residents can do is check for any drafts around windows and doors, and block cold currents by rolling up a towel.
"If you can lower the impact of that draft, it'll certainly help your furnace from coming on as often," she said. "There's also a recommendation on what they're calling online 'cozy zones,' to close off rooms that you're not using."
Ceiling fans can also be used to circulate warm air.
"If you run them slowly, clockwise, it will push warm air back down," she said. "Of course, if the sun is up, it is better to let that sun in during the day -- not let the wind in but let the sun in during the day and then close those curtains back at night."
Warm blankets, hot meals or drinks, and hot water bottles are also helpful items to keep warm.
But ultimately, individual comfort is important. McMichael-Dennis said turn the heat up if you want, just keep in mind the bill that will come later.
"Winter's here. The coldest days we normally see are in January or February. Before we know it, it'll be spring," she said. "Canadians are accustomed to this, but if you can try to stay warm without affecting your bills, all the better."
McMichael-Dennis said it has been a busy winter season for Bluewater Power so far.
"Whenever you see extreme weather, whether that be extreme heat or extreme cold, the power grid always is affected in some way," she said. "Most of the heat locally is natural gas but of course, your furnace does require electricity, and some local homes are electrically heated."
Meanwhile, Sarnia Fire Rescue is reminding residents to be careful while using space heaters to keep warm. Heaters should be kept at least one metre, or three feet, away from anything that can burn.
