Energy efficiency tips

South Mississippi is still braving the freezing cold temperatures but are we playing it smart when it comes to energy efficiency?
Mississippi Power has some tips we can follow to help cut back on the electric bill. They suggest setting the thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter and open curtains to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home.
Also, make sure to keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter, it allows warm air to go right up the chimney. Mississippi Power Spokesperson Jeff Shepard said, “You wanna open the drapes during the day when the sun is shining. Let some of the heat come in. Make sure your windows are properly sealed and caulked, your HVAC system, you heating, venilation and air system, is running efficiently. So change that filter, have it serviced. You just want to make sure it is running efficiently as possible.”
Also water heating can account for 14 to 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting. You’ll not only save energy, but you’ll avoid scalding your hands.