During the winter months, don’t forget about the pets who depend on you for their care. Start by taking the following steps to provide them comfort and save energy at the same time.

• The winter temperatures can be a little “ruff” at times, so set the thermostat at 68 degrees, making it a “purr-fect” temperature for people and pets—especially for smaller, short-hair, and senior dogs—not just for warmth but for their general health. In addition, puppies, kittens, and older pets with arthritis or other ailments may have more difficulty controlling their body heat and need the additional warmth when it’s chilly out.
• Pets that sleep close to the floor can be subject to cold drafts that enter the home through windows and exterior doors. If the pet’s bed is near a window or door that feels drafty, tightly roll up a towel and place it near the bottom of the door or window to eliminate the draft. This idea will cut down on cold drafts that will keep everyone feeling more comfortable during colder months. If possible, try to elevate the pet’s bed so it is not placed directly on the cold floor. An old chair or sofa cushion works as well.
• If there is no dog bed, take some old blankets and create a donut shape on a pillow so the dog can snuggle and “nest” within the blanket. For cats, provide them with blankets but make the donut shape smaller for warmth. Blankets provide pets with a comfortable place for dogs and cats to curl up, even when they aren’t tired.
• At the onset of the cold weather season, replace the HVAC filter for better air quality to help the unit operate more efficiently.
• Weather-stripping and caulking windows and doors will help keep the harsh cold temperatures away.
• For less efficient homes, keep the intense temperature out of the home by taping or affixing heavy, clear plastic inside the window frame to create an additional barrier against the cold. Ensure the plastic is tightly sealed to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
• During the day, open the blinds and curtains to allow sunlight into the home to keep the house warm. As the sun goes down, close the window coverings at night for an additional layer of insulation.

At Union Power Cooperative, we may be unable to control the weather. Still, we can provide advice to help our members save energy and money to keep their family and furry friends more comfortable during the winter.