Five energy saving tips from Middle Tennessee Electric

It's been a mild winter so far, but the first deep cold snap is upon us. These cold days mean higher energy usage at home to stay cozy. Middle Tennessee Electric wants to share a few energy savings tips that will keep the cold out and the heat in, without a shock to the electric bill:

• Stop by the hardware store, or even the grocery store, to get a new air filter. A dirty air filter can cause your unit to work harder, using more energy and costing you more to heat your home. MTEMC recommends replacing your filter before the drop in temperatures to keep your system performing at peak efficiency. But, now is as good a time as any.

• Monitor your energy usage during the colder temperatures. MTEMC has the my MTEMC app that is updated every 15 minutes allowing you to see exactly how much energy you're consuming. Your electric provider may have its own app or online portal.

• A couple degrees on the thermostat can make a big difference. A dip in temperatures causes your heating unit to run longer and at maximum capacity, using more electricity. To control your usage and costs, lower your thermostat to 65 degrees and wear extra clothing or use blankets to conserve energy and save on your bills.

• Space heaters are great for small spaces, but you're wasting money if you use more than two in your home at the same time. Use space heaters in short bursts in the room you're in.

• Keep your doors and windows cozy. Taping heavy-duty clear plastic over windows and unused doors can help keep warm air in and cold air out. But even towels against thresholds can have an impact on your energy waste.

For more energy-saving tips like these, log on to https://mtemc.com/ColdWeather

Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative providing electricity to more than 220,000 residential and business members in Williamson, Wilson, Rutherford and Cannon counties.