Preface 1

Off Campus Housing Guide Back to Table of Contents

Chapter 5
Housing information Utilities
Telephone
Gas
Electricity
Environmental concerns

Section Five: Housing Information Utilities

Contents of this section:

Telephone
Gas
Electricity

Simple Steps to Protect the Environment

Telephone

Establishing Telephone Service
Bell Atlantic of PA provides the phone service for this area. Phone service may be arranged by calling (800) 660-7111. When you call to arrange service, you will need to provide the complete street address for the rental unit and the name and telephone number of the previous occupant at your new address. If your street address has no number, you will need to provide the name and phone number of the nearest customer. You will be asked to choose the type of monthly service you want as well as a primary long distance company for calls outside the calling area. You will also be asked to indicate how you would like your name to appear in the telephone directory. Consider listing only your first initial and last name, especially if you are a woman living alone. You may be asked about your previous telephone service, such as the telephone number and location, as well as credit information including the name of your employer and your social security number.

Deposit
A deposit may be required. Make sure you ask when you are establishing the line to your apartment about deposit and what is required.

Billing
You will receive a telephone bill every month, and it is due upon receipt. Remember that the person whose name appears on the bill and file with the telephone company’s business office is responsible for all the calls made on that phone and will be required to pay for them.

Canceling Service
Phone service may be disconnected by calling Bell Atlantic. There is no charge, and service may be stopped the day you call.

Gas

Establishing Gas Service

Billing

Canceling Service

Simple Steps to Protect the Environment

You are probably already aware of the environmental urgency for wise energy use. But did you know that the same simple steps to protect the environment can save you money? Wise energy use does not mean freezing in the dark. It does mean getting the most comfort and efficiency for your money.

Heating

Set the thermostat as low as you can without sacrificing comfort; 68 degrees F is comfortable for most people. Each degree higher uses up to 3% more energy.
Extra blankets may allow you to lower the thermostat setting somewhat at night.
Keep windows closed and the opening of doors to a minimum.
Close off unused rooms.
Don’t use an oven to heat a room; it merely wastes energy.
Make sure you have proper insulation; use storm windows, seal cracks, weather strip and caulk around doors and windows.
Keep fireplace dampers closed when they are not in use.
Keep shades and drapes open to let sunlight in during the day, and close them at night for added insulation.
Thermostats should be free of drafts and never blocked off. They should also be away from heat producing equipment such as lights or a television.
Turn down the thermostat when you will be away for an extended time period, but never turn it completely off. A sudden cold spell could freeze your pipes and cause them to burst.
Have the central heating system checked before the start of cold weather.
Don’t block radiators or air ducts.
Keep humidity at a proper level. Dry air requires more heat to keep you comfortable. Use humidifiers or a water supply near the furnace vents.
Clean your thermostat yearly by removing the cover and carefully blowing away any accumulated dust.

Water

Never run water needlessly or ignore leaking faucets. One drop of water per second equals about 200 gallons per month.
Always use cold water with your garbage disposal.
A quick shower takes about half as much hot water as a bath in a regular size tub.
Letting water run while shaving, brushing teeth, or rinsing dishes can waste 10 to 30 gallons of water.

Cooking

Cook by time and temperature for the best results; opening the door causes about a 25 degree F drop in temperature.
Thaw meats before cooking. A roast will take one-third longer to cook if it is placed in the oven frozen.
Turn the oven off twenty minutes before serving meats like roasts in order to use stored heat.
Clean a self-cleaning oven after cooking in the oven instead of going from a cold start.
Match the pan size to the heating element to avoid wasting heat.
Most foods cook faster if the pans have tight fitting lids.
Small kitchen appliances, such as toasters, electric fry pans, or broilers, use less electricity than your range when cooking the same foods.

Refrigerator

Try to put the refrigerator in the coolest part of the room; don’t place it near a range or heater because the motor will be forced to run longer.
If the freezer isn’t frost free, defrost before the ice gets ¼ inch thick. Ice acts as insulation and cuts down in the cooling power of the coils.
Make sure the unit is air tight; replace worn gaskets or seals.
Leave the door closed as much as possible. Every time you open it cool air is replaced with warmer air and the motor has to work extra hard to keep the unit cool.
Keep liquids covered when you store them because the evaporation process will make your unit’s motor work harder.
Remove extra store wrappings from foods because paper acts as an insulation.

Washer/Dryer

Wait for a full load; a small load uses as much energy as a full one.
Use cold water and cold water detergents when possible.
Pre-treat or use a soak cycle on heavily soiled clothes to avoid having to rewash.
Don’t overload your washer; overloading will prevent the washer from operating as efficiently.
Spin dry before putting clothes in the dryer.
When possible, dry clothes outside.
Clean lint filters in the dryer after each load.
Don’t overdraw clothes; this wastes energy and sets wrinkles which requires more ironing.

Dishwasher

Wait until you have a full load before running the dishwasher.
Use recommended amount of dishwashing detergent; too much or too little decreases efficiency.
Air dry dishes rather than using the dry cycle on the dishwasher.

REMEMBER to ask about recycling!