Energy Conservation

High energy costs are an important concern that affect consumers and businesses alike. While they affect all Mississippians, they are of particular concern to farmers, homeowners and small businesses. It’s important to take steps to reduce expenses where possible.

Extremely high or low temperatures can have a dramatic affect on energy use and costs. While such temperature extremes do not happen often, they are difficult to predict.

Since we can't control energy prices, or the weather itself, the important thing is to make sure that homes, businesses and farms are as energy efficient as possible. This means taking conservation steps before extreme temperatures - winter or summer - arrive in earnest.

To help homeowners and others with energy conservation, the Mississippi State University Extension Service has developed the following information to help reduce these costs.

 

Winter

Which Winter Fuel Is Cheapest? The heating value of a fuel is determined by its Btu (unit of heat) in relation to its cost per unit. Under normal conditions, natural gas where it is available usually gives more heat per dollar compared to other sources, such as propane, fuel oil, and electricity. This is not always true, however; changes in the price of one fuel relative to others affect the price-to-value ratio.

What Can Homeowners Do To Reduce Winter Heating Costs? Several no-cost or low-cost options are available to homeowners:

How Can Farms and Small Businesses Reduce Winter Heating Costs? Many of the same principles for home energy conservation also apply to other structures:

Safety is an important issue with heating equipment. Don't try to adjust regulators on gas tanks or make potentially dangerous repairs yourself. Contact the gas company or utility for help.

 

Summer

What Can Homeowners Do To Reduce Summer Energy Costs? Many energy conservation principles apply in summer as well as winter. For example:

What Can Farmers Do To Save On Summer Energy Costs? Many principles for home energy conservation also apply to farm structures:

Safety is always a factor with electric equipment. Don't take chances with faulty connections, make potentially dangerous repairs, or cut corners that put your safety at risk. If in doubt, contact an electrical contractor for help.

For more information on energy conservation, call or visit your county Extension office.

 

Publications

MSUcares Energy Conservation publications
Reduce Energy Costs in Agriculture
Energy Conservation for Greenhouse Growers
Reduce Energy Costs in Poultry Houses
Reducing energy costs in poultry houses