JACKSON — With grocery prices, gas prices, insurance costs and nearly everything else stretching household budgets, many Mississippi families are looking for ways to lower their electric bills without sacrificing comfort during the hottest months of the year.
The good news is that energy experts say small changes can add up to significant savings. By adjusting thermostat settings, improving your home’s efficiency and changing a few daily habits, many households can reduce their summer electricity costs while staying comfortable.
According to Entergy Mississippi, one of the simplest ways to save is to raise the thermostat a few degrees.
“The smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your energy use and bill will be,” according to Entergy.com.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home and 85 degrees when you’re away. Financial website SuperMoney says that strategy alone can reduce cooling costs by as much as 10% to 20%, particularly when paired with a programmable or smart thermostat.
Ceiling fans can also make a noticeable difference. While fans don’t actually cool the air, they create a wind-chill effect that makes people feel cooler, allowing homeowners to raise the thermostat several degrees without losing comfort. During the summer, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air downward.
Keeping sunlight out of the house can also reduce cooling costs. Closing blinds, curtains or shades during the hottest part of the day helps prevent solar heat from warming rooms, reducing the workload on air conditioners.
Regular maintenance is another easy way to improve efficiency. Entergy recommends cleaning or replacing air filters monthly during the cooling season. Dirty filters force air conditioners to work harder, increasing energy use and shortening the life of the system.
Experts also recommend sealing gaps around doors, windows and ductwork with weatherstripping or caulk to keep cool air inside and hot air outside. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, reducing air leaks can significantly lower heating and cooling costs.
Some of the biggest savings come from changing everyday habits.
Instead of using the oven during the hottest part of the day, consider grilling outdoors or using a microwave, toaster oven or slow cooker. Running dishwashers and clothes dryers during the evening can also reduce the amount of heat added to the home and may save money for customers on time-of-use electric plans.
Replacing older incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs can further reduce electricity use. LEDs consume about 75% less energy and last significantly longer than traditional bulbs while producing much less heat.
Another often-overlooked source of wasted electricity is “energy vampires:” electronics that continue drawing power even when turned off. According to AARP, televisions, computers, printers, coffee makers and gaming systems can continue using electricity unless they’re unplugged or connected to a power strip that’s switched off. Some estimates suggest eliminating this standby power can reduce electric bills substantially.
Homeowners should also check the temperature setting on their water heater. Lowering it from 140 degrees to 120 degrees can reduce energy use while still providing plenty of hot water for most households.
Many utility companies also offer rebates, energy-efficiency programs and payment assistance for qualifying customers. Entergy Mississippi encourages customers to explore available incentives for energy-efficient upgrades that can lower long-term costs.
For families struggling to keep up with summer utility bills, AARP notes that some electric providers also offer budget billing, payment plans and discounts for qualifying customers.
While no single tip will dramatically reduce a power bill overnight, combining several of these strategies can make a noticeable difference over the course of the summer. SuperMoney estimates households that consistently apply multiple energy-saving habits could save between $250 and $600 during the cooling season.
When every dollar counts, a few simple changes around the house may help Mississippi families keep both the air conditioner running and more money in their wallets.
