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Take these simple steps to save energy and money at home. Also, download Tips for Energy Savers (2.2 MB) today and discover many more ways to save energy throughout your home.
Tips for Energy Savers
Insulation – Inadequate insulation is a common problem in many homes and can lead to high energy bills. Upgrade insulation in attics, basements, exterior walls and floors. It’s a fast and easy way to save up to 30% on your energy costs.
Heating and Cooling – Heating and cooling makes up 45% to 50% of your energy bill. Upgrade with efficient equipment, insulation and programmable thermostats. Also, properly maintaining and adjusting existing equipment can improve energy efficiency by as much as 10%.
Air Leaks – According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), draft-proofing your home can cut energy costs by up to 10 percent. Test your home for air tightness, and caulk, seal and weatherstrip air leaks around doors, ducts, outlets, and chimneys.
Lighting – Switch to energy saving compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) which last use 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last 7 to 10 time. Replace just 25% of your light bulbs in high-use areas with CFLs and cut your lighting costs in half. And don’t forget, turn the lights off when leaving a room.
Windows – Purchasing new windows? Choose an ENERGY STAR® window. Installing new, high performance windows will improve your home's energy performance. If you aren't ready to replace your windows, caulking your window seals around the glass can provide additional insulation.
Appliances – Every appliance has two price tags, a purchase price and an energy price. Look for the ENERGY STAR® when shopping for new appliances. Appliances and other products with the ENERGY STAR® use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment.
Low-Flow Water Fixtures – A typical family uses 700 gallons of water a week, equivalent to one person’s drinking supply for 3 years. Consider switching to low-flow, non-aerating fixtures in your kitchen and bathrooms. Reducing the amount of water in the flow uses less hot water and saves the energy that would be required to heat it.
Landscaping – Just 3 deciduous trees planted on the south and west will shade your house in the summer and allow sun to shine through in the winter. Avoid landscaping with lots of un-shaded rock or cement on the south or west side of your home because it increases the temperature around the house and radiates heat to the house after the sun has set.
Home Office - Working from home saves energy and time, but it may increase your home energy bills. Make sure power management features are activated and shop for ENERGY STAR® office equipment and electronics.
For more information:
Energy Division
Telephone: 601.359.6600
Fax: 601.359.6642
energydiv@mississippi.org
