Home and Garden 2026

Storm resiliency rooted in

NativeLANDSCAPING

BY SHWETA MISHRA

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, native plant landscaping has shifted from aesthetic preference to ecological necessity. Across the 800,000 acres of timberland and 200,000 acres of vegetation devastated by catastrophic flooding, high winds and landslides, newly disturbed soils have become vulnerable to invasive colonization, and native pollinator populations struggle to recover.

The loss ripples from forests to backyards and apple orchards, destabilizing habitats and reducing fruiting rates, according to Bill Hoffman, Avery County’s State Extension Agent. In such an aftermath, native plants’ resilience is indispensable for re-greening yards and nurturing pollinators.

One of the most emblematic native landscaping shrubs in the High Country is the Rhododendron. In late 1794, French botanist André Michaux climbed Grandfather Mountain and journaled about its ecological beauty: “Carved in rock and plumed with ferns … clung and crept the most beautiful flowers and vines.” He marveled at vast swaths of purple blooms, which he named Rhododendron catawbiense after the Catawba River he had followed to the mountains. Native rhododendrons and azaleas remain foundational shrubs for partial shade. From large, purpleflowering Rhododendron catawbiense suited to mass woodland plantings, to earlier-blooming punctatum, to towering maximum (great laurel) with pale summer clusters and the vibrant orange of flame azalea (calendulaceum), these natives are vital for pollinators and

understory ecosystems.

Jerry Moody, Avery County’s Cooperative Extension Director and Horticulture Agent, says the shrubs are readily available.

“A lot of the rhododendrons we have are hybrids, but we do have catawbiense, punctatum and max, which are all found in native stands,” he says. “They can either be, with permission, dug in those places, or the seed can be collected, and they can germinate the seed and grow them from that. There’s a couple of nurseries around here that do have native landscape and will sell the punctatum, flame and vaseyi,” he says.

Equally vital, though less conspicuous, are native ground-covers that stabilize bare soil, outcompete invasives, and require less upkeep than lawn grass.

Golden ragwort or groundsel (Packera aurea) is naturally prolific, sprouting from gravel, cracked roads, tree stumps and woodland edges, and is easy to propagate by division or seed. It offers year-round value: low-lying, semievergreen foliage in winter, bright yellow blooms in spring, and a dense rhizomatous spread for greening and erosion control. Adaptable to sun or shade, it prefers moist, organic soils. Sun-grown ragwort requires more moisture.

For many residents, native gardening is a family endeavor. Newland gardener Carissa Serrell describes a backyard that mirrors the region’s ecological richness.

“A couple years back, my husband and I made a garden bed in our yard. We wanted to include mostly native

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plants, partly for how easy they are, partly because they are so beneficial for local birds and insects, and partly because we love how they look,” Serrell says. “We planted rhododendrons, pink bee balm, mountain mint, tall bellflower, red columbine, yellow coneflowers, dwarf irises, Joe Pye Weed, a variety of asters, white trilliums and many other plants. We used a combination of a seed mix from Prairie Moon and some seedlings. Everything has filled in nicely and comes back even better than the year before, with very little work aside from weeding out any invasives that try to choke out the wildflowers… Our garden looks a little wild in the peak of summer, but it’s a delightful mix of colors, textures and scents — and always full of interesting, gorgeous insects.”

The offering of native landscaping species is broad. Ideal for shade and part-shade are Virginia bluebells, lady and Christmas ferns, woodland phlox, coral bells and bee balm. Small native trees like elderberry thrive along moist forest edges and offer medicinal value. Showy flowers that prefer sun include purple coneflower, liatris, black-eyed Susan, trumpet vine, and passionflower, as well as ground-covers such as creeping phlox and green-and-gold.

Where the yard meets the woods, jewelweed, common in wet shade, is both edible and boasts skin-soothing properties, while other native edibles include American persimmon, pawpaw, serviceberry, mulberry and Aronia chokeberry. Sunchoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is a North American native that boasts sunflower-like blooms but was cultivated by Indigenous peoples for centuries for its starchy tubers. Unlike most natives, this plant requires containment due to its aggressive growth.

Know your Neighbors

How to keep wildlife out of your garden

BY ZACH COLBURN

When it comes to gardening in the mountains, dealing with different forms of wildlife comes with the territory. But there are several ways you can protect your investments from the likes of deer, bears and other wildlife as you prepare to start sowing your crops during the Spring and summer months.

According to Jim Hamilton, Watauga County Extension Director for North Carolina Cooperative Extension, they’ve already started receiving calls about deer early in the season, as Spring is one of the busiest times for dealing with wildlife.

The warmer weather brings wildlife out of a winter slumber with their sights

set on one thing — food.

There are several options for combating wildlife — some are universal, while others are more geared towards specific animals.

Below are just a few of the popular animals to be on the lookout for, and how to prevent them from damaging your crops and keep them away.

DEER

The High Country (and Northwest North Carolina in general) has one of the densest areas when it comes to white-tailed deer, based on the 2025 Deer Density Map from North Carolina Hunting and Fishing.

There are precautions that can be

taken to handle deer; the main one that Hamilton points to is a repellent.

While effective, there are some drawbacks.

“There are a number of repellents, like spray repellents, on the market. Most of the key ingredients in those products are putrescent eggs or blood meal or some sort of hot pepper or spicy pepper,” Hamilton said. “The problem with those is, after a decent rain, they’ve washed off. So the effectiveness of those is a week to 10 days on an average period of time. There are some other repellent products now that have sheep fat or fats as an active ingredient that seem to be longerlived.

“Sheep fat as an active ingredient has been pretty widely adopted. From the agricultural side of things, from the Christmas tree industry, I know producers or Christmas tree growers in places like Ashe and Allegheny that have penciled it out that it’s more cost-effective to build permanent fence structures around their entire tree fields due to the damage, repeated damage to their Christmas tree seedlings and trees because of deer browse.”

He also suggested that fences be eight to nine feet tall, woven wire or wooden, as these are the most effective barriers.

Electric fences are also an option, and using a bait, such as peanut butter on the foil, can effectively train deer to avoid the area.

Using physical barriers such as netting, chicken wire, or tree tubes can protect young trees and shrubs.

Another option is using deer-resistant plants, ones less appealing to deer, such as herbs (lavender, sage), spike plants (like holly) or strong-scented ornamentals.

BEARS

A number of the same precautions one takes when dealing with deer will also work for bears.

Fencing everything in tends to be helpful, but Hamilton states that the most effective way to deal with bears is to cut off their food source, whether by removing bird feeders or adding more protection, such as cinder blocks, to secure your trash can.

Also, avoid composting food waste as it’ll attract bears to your home.

“For bears, it’s removing a food source that they would be interested in. Keeping trash indoors until it’s time to haul it away, and bird feeders; I know everyone loves bird feeders, but putting bird feeders in inaccessible areas, porches are not inaccessible areas,” said Hamilton.

“How many pictures have you seen of black bears, you know, climbing on decks and porches and going after bird feeders? Lots. If you do encounter a bear or see a bear in the yard or have it on your house cam, ring cam, or whatever, remove that food source for a few weeks. You’re changing the browsing route of that, of that animal, because bears are lazy — they’re going to go after the easiest food source they can.”

Other strategies include electric fences and placing gardens and high-value fruit trees in open areas rather than right against forest edges, which provide cover for wildlife.

SNAKES

These reptiles start becoming active when temperatures reach above 60 degrees.

The N.C. The Wildlife Resources Commission advises staying calm and giving snakes plenty of space to move, as they play a role in keeping rodent, slug, and pest insect populations in check. Rat snakes, or blacksnakes as they’re commonly referred to, are very common across the Southeast. Other snakes that can be around homes and yards are garter and milk snakes.

Hamilton states that with any snakes, do not confront them.

TURTLES

As spring begins, encounters with turtles tend to become more frequent on roads, trails, parks, greenways, farms, and forests.

They can be found during the spring or summer, wandering the woods after a rain shower, looking for food. While kids may enjoy playing with them, it’s best to let them be.

GROUNDHOGS

A few years ago, a video captured a groundhog (Chuck the Groundhog to be exact) eating a gardener’s crops, right in front of the video camera.

The video went viral on YouTube, gaining more than 330,000 views, and showcased the issue of growing crops and dealing with this kind of wildlife.

Groundhogs can become a nuisance in the landscape if they browse on one’s plants and binge feed on garden crops. They also become problems due to their burrowing habits, which can damage your soil and housing structures.

Hamilton states that the best way to discourage groundhogs from your property is to keep it clear of brush and remove tree stumps from the area. It is also recommended that you harvest your crops as soon as you can, to avoid too many leftovers on the vine.

Groundhog exclusion fences (which will also keep out other pests, such as rabbits) need to be electric, woven, or made of welded wire, and extend at least three to four feet tall (since groundhogs can climb) with a 45-degree angle to discourage climbing over. This type of fence should also be buried 12 to 14 inches underground to avoid groundhogs digging under it. Since there is no closed season or bag limit on groundhogs, hunting remains an option as well.

COYOTES, FOXES

Similar to dealing with bears, removing food sources such as pet food, food waste, and bird feeders is a simple but effective way to deter coyotes and foxes. Another option is installing fencing at least six feet tall, according to the NCWRCC, to prevent digging underneath.

Growing Strong

BY NATHAN HAM

For more than a century, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension has been a leading provider of research and resources for local farmers, gardeners, and growers who are always looking to improve crop output in the High Country.

Knowing which plants will grow best in this climate is the first major hurdle growers face. High Country growers need to be prepared for shorter planting seasons due to the early arrival of cold weather in the fall, which often persists through April. With agriculture being a nearly $100 billion industry in North Carolina, having the proper knowledge on when and what to plant is an important part of finding success during planting seasons.

NC. Cooperative Extension agents

in each county work with farmers to determine what they need the most. Agents have the knowledge to work with farmers who grow crops to make money, and with small farms and family gardeners who want to provide food for themselves. The biggest source of information for extension agents typically comes from research programs through state colleges. Universities such as NC State and NC A&T are constantly researching and applying new science and technology to make growing crops more efficient and productive.

Locally, the extension offices host events each year to help provide the latest research and information to area growers. In Ashe County, the extension office recently held their annual Seed Swap at the Ashe County Farmers Market. The event typically

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From Seed to sustainable

Breaking ground, not tradition in mountain gardening

BY JESSE CAMPBELL

Mountain gardening requires more than a green, weathered thumb; sweat equity, knowledge of the High Country’s fickle seasons, and accrued intuition from nature’s subtle, unspoken signs can make the difference between bonanza and bust.

While the High Country’s growing season is shorter than in warmer, flatter regions, astute planning and crop rotation for perennial gardens, combined with climate-adapted growing practices such as raised planters and frost-prevention cloths, allow budding gardeners to defy truncated seed times. Germinating praise-worthy home gardens that accentuate the home’s curb appeal begins before the last High Country flurries flitter away in the early spring sun. First-time gardeners should begin planning and jotting down home garden ideas and potential locations before warm weather breaks. Gardeners should also scope out which patch of yard yields the most direct sunlight while shielding budding plants from gulleys and meandering brooks that quickly overflow during the mountains’ notorious spring rains.

Although the High Country’s unique microclimate supports a venerable rain forest of botanic diversity, Western North Carolina’s acidic and rocky soils can prohibit more exotic flora that thrive at lower elevations. Researching sustainable mountain crops rather than free-wheeling non-native species, which can sabotage nascent crops

while inadvertently depleting topsoil and spoiling future yields, helps new gardeners avoid common pitfalls.

The High Country’s mountain climate is ideal for Black-eyed Susan sunflowers, purple coneflower, and Joe Pye weed, among other perennials, including tulips and daffodils.

Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and spinach are the best spring crops, while tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash, and potatoes are the order of the day during the summer sowing season.

Above all, aspiring gardeners should monitor long-term forecasts and use time-tested methods to cultivate initial crops and gardens.

Cultivating tips and friends at farmers’ markets

While YouTube archives countless gardening tip videos to replace latenight doom scrolling, gardening newbies can benefit from visiting regional farmers’ markets for expert advice from vendors more than willing to share their homegrown secrets with fellow organic

the development of organic taste buds, the Ashe County Farmers’ Market offers a dollar-for-dollar SNAP matching program for subsidized participants and senior citizens.

The Watauga County Farmer’s Market, located at 591 Horn in the West Drive, is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. - noon, and the Avery County Farmer’s Market at 185 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk, is open from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays.

Heirloom tomatoes, kale, cucumbers, potatoes, summer squash, and peppers are commonly featured wares at all of the High Country’s farmers’ markets.

Heirloom secrets and tools of the craft

Buying the right tools for High Country gardening is more important than crop selection, as improper equipment can lead to broken handles, blades, and ephemeral ambitions. Every gardener’s tool kit should include a sturdy hand trowel and a spade for digging into the mountains’ compacted soils and steep terrains. Soil knives,

digging forks, and a trusty shovel, along with thick gloves, will prevent wasted toiling in the warming High Country air and the callous blisters that come with it.

Dithering over overpriced hand tools on Amazon precludes gleaning institutional knowledge from several High Country hardware stores, where seasoned experts can churn mindful, creative ideas before new gardeners turn the first layer of topsoil.

Although Western North Carolina teeters on the edge of rainforest classification, 92% of North Carolina is under drought conditions, so securing a backup water source, whether from a hose-attached spigot or rainwater catchment barrels, can mitigate long stretches of rainless weather.

Breaking ground on a new garden after a cold-hardening winter is typically gardening’s most arduous task. While affordable hand tillers are available at most retail and online outlets, most friendly High Country natives and neighbors are more than willing to help new gardeners till their first plot and offer helpful tips for optimal results.

souls looking to reap the most from what they sow this summer.

The Ashe County Farmer’s Market, located on West Jefferson’s Back Street that runs parallel to Jefferson Avenue, is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Dozens of vendors set up

shop in the early morning, wares and crops glistening in the sun, as dew drops condense and quickly evaporate, with new, lasting connections forming among neighbors and sage mountain farmers. With conflicting concerns about inflation and healthy eating deterring

A door, a detector and a plan:

How to keep your home Fire-safe

BY MOSS BRENNAN

At the start of 2026, four residents escaped injury after a malfunctioning bathroom exhaust fan ignited a fire in the ceiling of their home. Not even a week later, residents safely evacuated a house after a smoke detector alerted them to a fire at 3 a.m.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 2,200 people die each year because of unintentional home fires. Almost two-

thirds of these fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or with smoke alarms that don’t work. A smoke alarm’s warning can cut the risk of dying from a fire in your home by almost half.

The Boone Fire Department recommends that homeowners install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and at least one on each level of the home. Interconnected alarms give occupants the most advanced warning.

In addition to testing alarms and changing batteries every year when the clocks change, the following are more safety tips:

1. Closed doors slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Sleep with bedroom doors closed. Install Smoke Alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home, including the basement. For newer constructions, smoke alarms should interconnect so that when one alarm sounds, they all sound.

2.Large homes may need extra alarms.

3. Test all alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.

4. Smoke alarms should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen and bathroom to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet away from the stove.

5. There are special alarms for people who are hard of hearing and deaf.

6. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. Replace carbon monoxide alarms per the manufacturer’s

instructions. Writing the expiration date on the outside of the alarm will help you determine the replacement date from the ground without needing a ladder.

7. Some newer alarms have lifetime batteries that typically last 10 years. These detectors are more expensive; however, they are a good choice for rooms with high ceilings. They will eliminate the need for tall ladders and labor costs twice a year compared to conventional replaceable-battery alarms. Alarms with lifetime batteries are disposed of and replaced when the alarm

indicates the battery is dying.

8. Home Fire Escape Plans are a crucial tool to keep your family safe in an emergency. Smoke and CO alarms are an important part of these plans. Please take the time to review your Home Fire Escape Plan with all family members. Practice your plan regularly and remember to practice at different times of the day and in different weather conditions.

For more information on smoke alarm safety, visit www.nfpa.org/educationand-research/home-fire-safety/smokealarms.

Why sleeping with your bedroom door closed can save your life

Another home safety tip is sleeping with your door closed. A good phrase to remember this key safety tip is “close before you doze.”

Data from Fire Safety Research Institute indicates that during a fire, rooms with closed doors can have temperatures hundreds of degrees cooler than adjacent areas where doors were left open. More importantly, levels of carbon monoxide and smoke, the

leading causes of fire-related deaths, are significantly reduced behind a closed door. Survivability increases drastically when occupants are protected from these elements, according to the Boone Fire Department.

The practice of closing doors to stop a fire spread was evident after a lithiumion battery exploded and sparked a fire at an apartment in Boone. As the occupant left the room after the explosion, he closed the door behind him, helping prevent the fire from spreading further.

“So many studies have shown that closing a door behind you, whether it’s your bedroom or, in this case, an apartment, to protect the rest of the building, does so much to limit the spread of smoke and fire,” Boone Fire Marshal Amy Flieg said after the incident. “Everyone thinks that it’s the flames that get you. Smoke gets you long before then, and it’s amazing what just a door will do to stop the spread of the smoke and then the heat and the flames behind it.”

For more information, visit closeyourdoor.org.

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SMART Grow

Gardening advice for the High Country

BY JAMIE SHELL

For residents of the High Country eager to grow their own food, the challenges are real — steep terrain, a short growing season, unpredictable frosts, and plenty of hungry deer. But according to Avery County Cooperative Extension Agent Bill Hoffman, those challenges are manageable with the right approach.

Hoffman, who has spent years directing programming to help High Country homeowners grow their own produce, says raised bed and container gardening have become central to that effort.

“Raised bed gardening is very beneficial for a lot of reasons, including increased soil temperature earlier,” Hoffman said. “You control your type of soil, and you might not be gardening in a soil that already has some overwintering diseases.”

The higher elevations of the region present specific hurdles, particularly when it comes to timing plantings around late frosts. Hoffman advises growers to take advantage of the coolertolerant crops early in the season while remaining cautious.

“You can get your cool season crops in the ground — such as some beets, carrots, kale, spinach and peas,” he said. “But you’ve got to be ready to cover, because we tend to get those freezes clear into May.”

Disease prevention is another concern unique to the mountain climate. Morning dew settles on leaf surfaces,

creating ideal conditions for fungal growth. Hoffman recommends watering at the base of plants rather than from overhead, and ensuring adequate airflow through the garden to help foliage dry quickly. He also stresses the importance of being a consistent presence in the garden.

“Anytime you’re gardening, you really need to be around your crops,” Hoffman said. “If you’re growing food for yourself, there’s a critter or an insect after it also.”

For deer protection, Hoffman suggests fencing where practical, or even a simple run of monofilament fishing line strung around the perimeter. This low-cost deterrent, he says, has worked for some of his gardeners.

Soil health also ranks high on Hoffman’s list of priorities. He recommends testing and adjusting pH levels for the crop being grown, and incorporating compost and aged manure into planting beds.

“If you have a plant growing in any kind of stressful condition, it’s stressed a little bit, and that can be a magnet and bring in pest issues,” he explained. “Plants tend to give off a lot of chemicals, almost like pheromones, and insects will direct themselves toward those.”

When it comes to watering, Hoffman points out that even seemingly thorough overhead watering can be deceptive, with

moisture often penetrating only a half-inch into dry or peatheavy soil. He recommends passing over the same area multiple times to ensure water reaches the root zone.

For those who want to start plants indoors before the season, Hoffman recommends grow lights kept just above seedlings — to build strong, stocky stems rather than the leggy growth that results from a windowsill — along with heat mats to improve germination rates. He also cautions growers not to rush transplants outside without first acclimating them gradually to cooler outdoor temperatures.

Beyond technique, Hoffman sees a cultural dimension to local gardening that matters just as much. While small farms across the area have declined in recent years, he says individual interest in home growing is actually on the rise — and he works to nurture that interest through school programs where students harvest lettuce, bunch onions, and see firsthand where their food comes from.

“It’s so rewarding to start something from seed or starter plant and to be able to harvest food,” Hoffman said. “This is the sustainability factor. You’re growing some of your own food that you can save and can — and have some food for the winter in case we get an emergency situation like Hurricane Helene.”

For more information on gardening programs, raised bed design, or seasonal workshops offered through the Avery County Cooperative Extension Office, residents can contact Hoffman directly at (828) 733-8270 or by email at wfhoffman@ncat.edu.

Bracing for Higher

Energy-saving tips for High Country homeowners BILLS

BY MOSS BRENNAN

For High Country residents, the region’s frigid winters and humid summers mean energy bills are a yearround concern. But with a few smart adjustments, homeowners can make a real dent in their monthly costs.

According to a report from the North Carolina Energy Policy Task Force, from 2005 to 2025, electricity demand in all of North Carolina rose just 7%. From 2017 to 2024, the average residential electricity bill has risen by nearly 30%. Almost two-thirds of the increases in North Carolinians’ electrical bills have been due to rising fuel costs, mostly driven by rising and volatile natural gas prices.

The major public utilities serving North Carolina are projecting significant further increases in bills by 2040, even beyond the proposed rate increases for many North Carolina residential customers of 16-18% over just the next two years, according to a release from the governor’s office.

The report cited Duke Energy’s load forecast in its 2025 Carolinas Resource Plan, stating that total net load across its two North Carolina systems is projected to increase by 16% to 60% over the next 15 years, compared with a 7% increase across the state over the last two decades.

According to the report, the demand is expected to grow rapidly due to new data centers, advanced manufacturing operations, and a growing population.

Blue Ridge Energy, which serves Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, and Watauga counties, has put together a range of practical strategies to help members reduce their heating and cooling expenses.

From quick daily habits to bigger home improvements, the options are plentiful. Here are some of BRE’s top recommendations for saving energy all year long:

• Wash clothes in cold water when possible and save approximately $63 per year.

• Take advantage of the sunny days of winter by opening your drapes during the day and closing them at night to naturally heat the home. In the summer months, overworking a heat pump or air conditioning unit can be prevented by keeping drapes closed during the day to allow less sunlight and heat in.

• Install a programmable thermostat to save up to 10% on cooling and heating costs.

• In the bathroom, BRE suggests taking short showers rather than full tub baths. A normal tub bath will use up to twice as much hot water. You’ll save on total water consumption as well.

• Rather than using the conventional oven, the microwave oven reduces energy consumption and cooks food about one-fourth the time. Additionally, if

WhereGreat GardensBegin DeepGreens Nursery

the kitchen oven is used for cooking, it is recommended that several dishes be baked at equal temperatures together in the oven.

• Well pumps average around 50 kWh per month. However, a faulty check valve, pressure switch, or leaks in lines can quickly double the electrical usage, so it is suggested to check the equipment on a regular basis.

• Change to new and improved light bulbs. Reduce energy use from about a third to as much as 80% with today’s increasing number of energy-efficient halogen incandescents, CFLs and LEDs.

• Clean or change filters regularly. A dirty furnace or A/C filter will slow down airflow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool.

• Schedule service for your heating system. Find out what maintenance is required to keep your heating system operating efficiently.

• Seal air leaks and properly insulate to save up to 20% on heating and cooling bills while also increasing home comfort. These are just a few of more than 100 energy saving tops BRE offers.

To view the full list, visit https://www. blueridgeenergy.com/resources/101easy-ways-to-save-energy-and-money. You can even sign up for their energy efficiency newsletter, which sends monthly energy management tips. For even more energy saving tips, visit App State’s New River Light and Power’s website at nrlp.appstate.edu/resources/ savings/100-ways.

In the cold High Country winters, bills can skyrocket. The following are tips specific to save money in the colder months:

• Lower your thermostat: Keeping thermostats set to the lowest comfortable setting can make a positive impact on winter bills. When temperatures drop, heating systems work overtime to heat your home. Lowering thermostats can decrease the work load for your heating system.

• Find and fix air leaks: Caulk and seal any area that may be leaking your home’s heat outside. Consider using tools like foam gaskets behind outlet covers, draft stoppers around doors and caulk around windows or any wiring or plumbing to

reduce heating loss in areas that have a draft.

• Change filters: Change air filters regularly. A dirty furnace or A/C filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder, which uses more energy and drives up energy costs, to keep you warm.

• Check your heating system: Schedule service for your heating system. Find out what maintenance is required to keep your heating system operating efficiently.

• Take advantage of usage tools: Usage Tracker is a free tool for Blue Ridge Energy members that shows your daily electricity usage and the impacts of weather temperatures. It’s available under My Account at www.BlueRidgeEnergy. com or through the Blue Ridge mobile app.

In the summer, the U.S. Department of Energy has the following tips to keep costs down:

• Install window coverings to prevent heat gain through your windows during the day.

• Set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature that provides humidity

control if needed. The smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill will be.

• Keep your house warmer than normal when away, and lower the thermostat setting when you return home and need cooling. A programmable thermostat allows you to do this automatically without sacrificing comfort.

• Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when first turning on your air conditioner. It won’t cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.

• Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect.

• When you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity from your home. Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation. Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside.

• For maximum energy affordability, schedule regular maintenance for your

cooling equipment.

• Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your room’s air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.

• Vacuum your air intake vents

regularly to remove dust buildup. Ensure that furniture and other objects are not blocking the airflow through your registers.

Visit https://www.energy.gov/ energysaver/spring-and-summer-energysaving-tips for the full list of tips.

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