Energy-saving tips to help keep warm in, winter out

As temperatures begin to drop across the state, Starkville Utilities is helping customers keep their homes comfortablewhile lowering heating costs with the Warm In, Winter Out initiative.

“Increases in heating costs are expected during cold weather, but we want customers to know that improving energy efficiency can make a difference,” said Terry Kemp, Starkville Utilities general manager. “Through the Warm In, Winter Out initiative, we’re providing a number of simple, low-cost strategies to help customers reduce household energy expenses while keeping their homes comfortable.”

Controlling heating costs is a key part of the strategy. That’s because heating uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in the home during winter months, typically making up about 42 percent of a utility bill. Small adjustments can add up to significant savings, such as keeping thermostats set at 68 degrees, sealing cracks around windows and doors, and taking advantage of solar heat.

While space heaters can help with heating your home, they usaually are not energy efficient and tend to use a lot of electricity. If not correctly placed, they can create fire hazards. Space heaters are more effective when used in smaller, enclosed rooms and only when people are in the room to enjoy the heat.

During cold weather, Starkville Utilities recommends that customers focus on making their homes more energy efficient by taking these simple steps:

• Save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while asleep or away from home.

• Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around doors and windows.

• Keep vents open and uncluttered to maximize airflow efficiency.

• Replace furnace or heat pump filters once a month or as needed.

• Keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use.

• Use a programmable thermostat to reduce waste heat.

• Install energy-efficient

light bulbs; led light bulbs will last longer and use less energy

• 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.

• Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.

• Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you are finished cooking or bathing; when replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models.

• During winter, keep draperies and shades on south-facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

Take these steps to protect pipes during freezing weather:

• Insulate vulnerable pipes and install outdoor faucet covers.

• Keep garage doors closed, es

to the board. The selection still requires confirmation by the Mississippi Senate.

Mcgehee currently heads the Mississippi Association of School Administrators and Mississippi Association of Secondary School Principals. He previously served as Madison County Schools Superintendent and before that, in various administrator, teaching, and coaching roles in the Madison County, Rankin County, and Hattiesburg School Districts and in several private schools.

The nine-member board of education oversees the state education

department and helps set policy for schools, including for their curricula. Mcgehee would serve an eightyear term.

“My parents were not formally educated, but they always instilled in me and my brothers the determination to achieve the best education possible, and then go out and help others do the same,” Mcgehee said in a statement.

Mcgehee has a doctoral degree in education leadership from Mississippi State University.

Mississippians warned of weed species that chokes out plants

JACKSON (AP) — State forestry officials are warning of an invasive weed that chokes out native

plants.

Cogongrass is among the world’s most invasive weed species, The Sun Herald reported.

The weed is taking root in Mississippi, and the invasive species has also been found across parts of the southeastern U.S.

Many of the cogongrass “hot spots” are concentrated in south Mississippi, state forestry officials said. Experts say it could spread to the north and west in the future.

Cogongrass has also infested large parts of Alabama and has been reported in several other southern states including Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, a website maintained by the University of Georgia shows.