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Reduce Monthly Heating Bills by Keeping Warm In, Winter Out

Seasonal campaign focuses on energy- and cost-saving strategies

Falling leaves and falling temperatures mean Starkville Utilities customers soon will be relying more on their heating systems to stay comfortable. While higher bills are normal this time of year, the utility is helping customers improve energy efficiency and lower heating expenses through its Warm In/Winter Out initiative.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating systems consume more energy than any other system in the home — making up nearly 30% of the typical utility bill. But small adjustments can add up to significant savings, such as sealing cracks, setting thermostats and taking advantage of the sun’s natural warmth.

“We are working hard to empower our customers with the tools they need to gain more control over heating and energy costs,” said Edward Kemp, Starkville Utilities general manager. “The more actions they can take, the more difference it can make on reducing monthly bills, not only in winter but year-round.”

The first stop for savings is the thermostat. When asleep or away from home, adjusting the thermostat 7-10 degrees for up to eight hours can save up to 10% annually on energy bills. This can be done automatically by installing a programmable thermostat.

For those with HVAC systems, changing filters periodically is a must to optimize efficiency. Considering that up to 30% of heated air is lost to ductwork leaks, paying a professional to inspect and seal ductwork may be worth it, especially for older homes.

But customers don’t need professional credentials to make many money-saving improvements. Sealing cracks around doors, windows, pipes and electrical outlets with caulk, weather stripping and other products, along with adding insulation, can help homeowners save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs.

These are additional tips to improve energy efficiency and better manage energy costs:

• Trap the sunlight’s warmth by keeping curtains open on the south side of the house and closed on the north side during the day.
• Sign up for Levelized Billing. This option from Starkville Utilities takes a rolling average of your past 12 months’ consumption and allows you to pay that amount. While it won’t actually save energy or money, Levelized Billing can help customers budget their monthly utility expenses.
• Plug into EnergyRight. Through its EnergyRight partnership with Tennessee Valley Authority, Starkville Utilities offers several energy-saving incentives and solutions for residential customers, including free home energy audits.
• Switch to energy-efficient lighting. The average U.S. household has about 70 lightbulbs. One Energy Star-certified LED lightbulb uses up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can save about $55 in electricity costs over its lifetime. They also last 15–25 times longer.
• Seal leaky attic stairs by building or buying an insulated box. Visit EnergySaver.gov for DIY instructions.
• Close the fireplace damper when not in use. Aside from inviting pests into your home, they allow hot air to escape and cold air to sneak in. Considering hiring a pro to make sure your chimney is properly sealed.
• Use area rugs if you have hardwood or tile floors to keep your feet warm.
• Cover pots and pans when cooking to help food cook faster and use less energy.
• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.
• Turn down your water heater temperature to the warm setting (120°F).
• Unplug electronics when away from home. Some appliances and devices use energy even when turned off.
• Avoid streaming on game consoles, which use 10 times more power than streaming through a tablet or laptop. Streaming content with Energy Star-certified electronic equipment uses 25%–30% less energy than standard equipment.
• Lower holiday lighting costs. Use energy-saving LED light strings to reduce holiday decorating expenses.

“As families continue dealing with higher costs for everyday needs, we’re helping them get the most out of their utility services and save money wherever possible,” said Kemp. “We have more tips on our website to help improve energy efficiency and lower bills.”

Starkville Utilities is a public utility serving 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville, Mississippi as well as Mississippi State University. Its mission is to supply safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric and water service of superior quality and value that improves the lives of its customers.