With sub-freezing temperatures forecasted, CenterPoint Energy provides tips to save energy and stay safe while keeping warm

Biloxi, Miss. – Jan. 10, 2024 – Over the coming days, significantly colder temperatures are expected throughout Mississippi, with many areas of the state forecast to see below-freezing temperatures.

CenterPoint Energy is reminding customers about simple energy-saving and safety steps to help them lower heating bills, while continuing to stay safe and warm this winter.

Energy-saving Tips

• Make sure your heating system is operating safely and efficiently.An annual inspection and tune-up by a qualified technician are recommended.
• Change or clean your furnace filter regularly.This helps maximize your furnace’s efficiency and life.
• Turn down your thermostat.By lowering your thermostat by 7-10 degrees at night or when you’re away for at least eight hours, you can potentially save 10% on your heating costs. With a programmable thermostat, you can have your heating system work around your schedule.
• Keep warm air in and cold air out of your home.Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. Close fireplace dampers when not in use, so you don’t lose heat.
• Close window coverings and blinds.This will help insulate against the cold air outside.
• Circulate warm air with your ceiling fans.Set your ceiling fans to turn clockwise slowly to move warm air from the ceiling to your living levels.

To learn more about energy-saving tips, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/EnergySavingTips.

Safety Tips

• Use space heaters safely.Make sure your space heater has an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from it. A space heater that uses natural gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.
• Test your carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms to make sure they work properly. Change batteries regularly. Alarms don’t last forever, so replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Know the signs of CO poisoning.Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If you suspect you could have CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
  Immediately report a suspected natural gas leak. If you smell the “rotten egg” odor of natural gas, immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 888-876-5786. Don’t use electric switches and outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or close to the location or do anything that could cause a spark.

To learn more about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/WeatherSafety.