Hot Tips for a Cool, Green Summer

There’s no doubt summer is in full swing in Mississippi.  MDEQ encourages all Mississippians to do their part to conserve energy—not only to reduce pollution, but to help avoid the possibility of blackouts or brownouts.

Here are some things you can do to help:

• Keep garage doors closed to slow hot air from trickling inside.
• Keep curtains/blinds closed on the sunny side of your home to block out heat, but open curtains/blinds on the shady side to allow natural lighting and avoid electric lighting.
• Set your thermostat as high as your comfort allows (78 degrees is recommended).
• Use ceiling fans to keep air flowing when you’re at home but turn them off before you leave.
• Turn off lights and electronics such as TVs, radios, etc. when you leave a room.
• Put off chores that involve electric appliances, such as dishwashing and laundry, during peak power times (10 a.m.-8 p.m.).  ~This not only reduces pressure on the grid to help avoid blackouts or brownouts but also avoids emissions during peak times for ozone formation.~
• Unplug all electronics when not in use. ~Did you know some appliances devour more power than others?  Devices such as coffee makers, printers, gaming consoles, and anything that uses a power brick (think cell phone charger) can account for 5-10% of your electric bill even when they aren’t in use!  Think it’s a pain to unplug every device when not in use?  Put several devices on one power strip.  That way when you unplug one, you unplug all. Or, better yet, get some smart power strips!~
• When it’s time to replace a lightbulb, choose LED.  ~LED lighting is 80% more efficient than incandescent lighting.~
• Turn off outdoor lighting when not in use.  Outdoor lighting is often forgotten and left on throughout the night. ~Outdoor lighting is pretty, but don’t be like the moth drawn in by the flame.  Turn them off when not expecting company and especially when you are sleeping.~”