Northwood offers tips for
saving money and energy

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

Dwight Ross, education director at the nonprofit Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia, has a tip for folks who want to save some money and energy this winter.
Ross, in an address to the Northwood Civic Association, encouraged residents to set their thermostats at 68 degrees.
"If you’re feeling chilly at sixty-eight, put a sweater on," he said.
Ross suggests turning down the thermostat before going to work.
Before going to bed, he advises turning down the thermostat to 63 degrees, a move he contends will save $100 a winter. He sleeps well under the covers.
"I don’t have to have my heat blasting," he said.
The Energy Coordinating Agency, at 1924 Arch St., performs audits at residential and commercial properties to find spots where air is coming inside.
According to Ross, East Coast residents save 20 percent a year on utility bills if they caulk windows, put weather stripping and sweeps on doors and follow the audit’s other recommendations.
"It’s well worth the money," said Ross, who distributed materials to residents for them to seal their homes.
Ross also believes individuals should replace refrigerators older than 10 years. He said older models waste electricity.
Newer, energy-efficient refrigerators will pay for themselves in savings on electric bills in six years, he explained.
"It sounds like a wise investment," he said.
For more information, call the Energy Coordinating Agency at 215-988-0929 or visit www.ecasavesenergy.org
In other news from the Dec. 18 meeting:
• Gina Panchella presided over her final meeting as president of the organization. She will serve as a member of the board of directors.
Incoming president Barry Howell thanked City Councilman Dan Savage (D-7th dist.) for his service in the last 13 months. He will send the councilman a letter of gratitude for his help on zoning and other matters. Savage is leaving office, having lost in the Democratic primary.
Howell has invited Savage’s successor, Maria Quinones-Sanchez, to the group’s next meeting. She has accepted.
• Panchella and board member Lou Kubik are graduates of the police department’s Civilian Police Academy. The course takes place at the Philadelphia Police Academy, at 8501 State Road.
Anyone interested in enrolling can contact Lt. Mary Jo Brady at 215-685-8120 or 215-685-8080.
• Northwood Civic Association will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m., at St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. The group will also meet on Feb. 19, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com