Middle Tennessee Electric provides members energy-saving tips as frigid weather approaches

As colder temperatures settle in this weekend, Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) offers some simple energy-efficiency tips to help members manage their energy costs.

1. Set your heating system’s thermostat to 68 degrees. You can add 3% to your electric bill for each degree above 68 degrees.
2. Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees and reduce hot water use by taking shorter showers and using cold water for laundry whenever possible.
3. Turn off lights, televisions and computers when not in use.
4. Seal leaks around windows and doors. You can also use cardboard, plastic, or blankets to minimize heat loss.
5. Leave drapes or blinds open during sunny winter days to allow the sun’s rays to warm the house, but close them at night to help insulate your home.
6. Clean refrigerator coils and set the temperature to 36 to 39 degrees and the freezer to 0 to 5 degrees.
7. When your fireplace isn’t in use, make sure to keep the damper closed. Leaving it open allows cold air to flow into your home, almost as if you had a window open. Just remember to open it before lighting your next fire.
8. Rotate the direction of your ceiling fans so that the blades rotate clockwise during the winter. This pulls cold air up and helps push warm air back down to you, as warm air naturally rises to the ceiling. The fan should run at the lowest speed.
9. Replace filters and keep your heating and air conditioning equipment clean and well maintained. A dirty filter will slow down airflow and make the system work harder to keep you warm.
10. Air dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s heat drying options.

To save more energy and money, MTE has a team of energy efficiency experts ready to help members manage their electric use. Go to mtemc.com for more information about our energy services programs or contact 877-777-9020 to speak to your trusted energy advisor.