• Before using alternative heating sources such as woodstoves and fireplaces, have chimneys inspected and cleaned if necessary to prevent chimney fires. This is particularly important if they have not been used for extended periods and the maintenance status is unknown.
• Keep fireplaces and stoves properly maintained, be sure that seasoned wood is used, and that dampers are set properly to prevent creosote build-up and the subsequent possibility of fires. This will also help keep air pollution levels down
• Be sure that fireplace and stove dampers are closed when not in use
• If using portable electric heaters, be sure that they are not placed near any sources of combustible material
• Check that attics and crawl spaces are adequately insulated
• Be sure that your home or business has intact weather stripping, window and door caulking. If not, install or renew it as soon as possible
• If you use a forced air heating system, change furnace filters once a month and do not block heat registers
• If electric baseboard heating or non-forced air gas localized heating sources are used, be sure that furniture is pulled away from the heat source to allow maximum circulation of warm air
• Set thermostats at 68°F while occupied, 55°F if unoccupied
• Set thermostats at 60°F during sleeping hours in dwellings
• Consider installing a programmable thermostat
• Use high efficiency, i.e. fluorescent, light-emitting diode, or electro-luminescent lighting wherever possible
• Turn off appliances, computers, audio and video gear when not in use
• Turn off lights when no one is in a room
• Be sure that water faucets are not leaking and repair them if they are
• Set water heaters to 120°F
• Wash clothing in warm or cold water instead of hot water
• Take short showers instead of baths, use low flow shower heads
• Take advantage of solar heating by opening blinds and drapes during the day when the sun is out, and closing them at night to retain heat.

The Building Department of the City of Spokane has made every attempt to make sure the information on this site is correct. However, in the event that any information on this site is incorrect, the Building Department and the City of Spokane assume no liability for damages incurred directly or indirectly as a result of incomplete, incorrect or omissions of information. If you do find any information that is incorrect, please email buildinginfo@buildingspokane.org so the errors can be corrected.