STARKVILLE — With higher temperatures comes higher utility bills.
Starkville Utilities has released on its website summer tips for residents to save on heightened energy costs while increasing the efficiency of air conditioning units.
Edward Kemp, general manager for Starkville Utilities, told The Dispatch the information is part of the utility’s Beat the Heat initiative.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that families can spend about $2,000 annually on energy bills, but much is wasted through leaky windows and ducts, old appliances and inefficient heating and cooling systems.
“Air conditioners not only make homes comfortable but also protect people from the health consequences of extreme heat,” Kemp said.
“With summers getting hotter, this is a good time for customers to use beat the heat strategies throughout their homes to increase efficiency, lower bills and stay cool.”
Kemp said customers should use ceiling fans this summer and place home temperatures around 4 degrees higher than usual. Each temperature raised on the thermostat will equate to 3% savings over an entire year. Kemp also suggested residents replace AC filters once per month, increasing units’ efficiency by 5% to 15%.
To keep cold air in and hot air out, SUD recommended that people use caulk tubes to seal up empty spaces in vents, window sills and even doorways.
“I think all of these things can definitely add up,” Kemp said. “It is probably small improvements, but cumulatively, they really can make a difference and (customers) can realize some significant savings.”
To save on other energy costs, Kemp said residents should also keep water heaters, which account for 18% of home energy use, to a 120-degree cap, and unplug electronics before leaving the house. Combined, those methods could save residents up to $300 annually.
Kemp also suggests customers take advantage of home energy audits, which can show them where their money is spent on the bill each month and how energy efficient their home is.
Starkville Utilities customers can also order energy-saving kits featuring caulk tubes, energy-efficient light bulbs and outlet insulation, which all help to keep energy usage down.
“Our goal is to educate all of our customers and future customers on the importance of managing your utilities,” Kemp said.
For those interested in obtaining the kits and a free home energy audit, Kemp said customers should contact Starkville Utilities for more information.
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