Winter officially ends on March 20, 2018.

While the latest National Weather Service forecast is calling for warmer than normal conditions across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, it is likely our area will see more wintry weather and cold temperatures before spring arrives.

The Arctic air that blanketed our area during late December and lingered through early January delivered 12 consecutive days of temperatures that were at or below freezing at Washington Dulles Airport. With an average daily temperature of 19 degrees for the first week of the month, January became the fourth-coldest on record for our serving area.

You can keep your home warm this winter by following these simple tips:

• Check your weather forecast regularly. Knowing what to expect is the first step in preparing for colder weather and winter storms.Cover drafty windows with heavy-duty, clear plastic during the winter months. This simple weatherization tip will eliminate unnecessary drafts, improve energy efficiency and help save money on your heating bills.
• Seal cracks, gaps and holes around windows and doors with caulk, weatherstripping or door sweeps. Reducing drafts around these areas is another easy way to improve energy efficiency and help save money on your heating bills.
• Prevent water pipes from freezing. Water supply pipes that run along exterior walls that have little or no insulation, along with those in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages and kitchen cabinets are prone to freezing. During bitter cold temperatures, the American Red Cross recommends letting cold water drip from faucets served by these pipes. For an added layer of protection, open your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes inside (after ensuring any harmful household cleaning supplies and other chemicals are out of reach to children and pets).
• Properly maintain your heating system. Change your furnace filter at least once a month and protect your heat pump from the elements to improve energy efficiency. Use caution when removing snow, ice and leaves from your outdoor unit. 
• Keep your thermostat steady during extra-cold periods, both during the day and at night. Maintaining a warmer temperature when you are away or sleeping may raise your heating bill, but will help to prevent a costlier repair job if your water pipes freeze and burst.

Once you set your home thermostat to a comfortable setting, you can avoid the worry that comes with colder temperatures, increased heating demand and unpredictable utility rates by choosing a fixed-price natural gas price from an energy supplier like WGL Energy.

View one- and two-year fixed price natural gas offers for your home here.