When Ellisville resident Dale Maskew got his monthly electric bill from the Dixie Electric Power Association last month, he couldn’t believe what he was reading.

“My bill was $418,” he said. “I was shocked. Our representatives need to do something. They just sit on their hands up there all the time and don’t do nothing.”

Maskew said he and his wife switched to using gas logs for heat, but the results weren’t much better.

“The only time that we used the heat would be for about 10 minutes to take a bath and get the bathroom warm,” he said. “My bill was still $281. That’s ridiculous.”

Maskew, who said he is not the only one he knows with exorbitant bills, said his family is now in the process of switching to Amish-style heaters in the hopes to continue to lower their costs.

However, Lydia Walters, communication and human resource manager for Dixie Electric Power Association, said there are other, more cost effective ways homeowners can lower costs.

“A thermostat setting on 68 or below through the winter is recommended,” she said. “Maintaining a level of heat throughout your home, versus letting your house get really cold also saves on the wear and tear of your system.”

Walters said she often keeps the thermostat between 68 and 70 when at home, then drops it to 65 when she leaves.

“The heat won’t run too much throughout the day at 65,” she said. “Depending on how insulated your house is, it will hold the heat for awhile.”

Walters said those owning a wood-burning fireplace should also close the damper when the device is not in use.

“That lets cold air into your home,” she said. “It’s also recommended to open south facing draperies or blinds during the day and then closing them at night. You’ll get some benefit of sunlight throughout the day to help warm your home.”

Walters said heating and cooling system maintenance is also very important.

“You should check your air filter at least once a month and change it monthly or at least every other month,” she said. “But, you should check it every month to see if it needs to be changed.”

Walters said putting on additional clothing such as a sweat shirt or light jacket also makes a difference.

“If there’s a draft coming into your home like under a front door, use a towel or blanket,” she said. “Caulking and weather stripping can also save significant money.”

Walters said homeowners should also turn off energy draining electronics such as computers and game consoles at night.

“That’s a big one,” she said. “Cell phone chargers, even not attached to a cell phone, pull electricity. Always turn off things that are not in use. Maybe you could plug everything into some type of multi-plug and switch that off at nighttime.”

Walters added that there are a number of other things homeowners can do that, while costly at first, will save big bucks down the road.

“Checking the insulation in your home or changing out old heating and cooling systems is always beneficial,” she said. “Switching to Energy Star-rated appliances such as refrigerators can also contribute to a significant change in your bill.”

Walters said insulation — especially in mobile homes — can cause your bills to spike.

“It’s a real common problem for those living in mobile homes for the insulation in their flooring to get damaged over the years and begin to fall out,” she said. “Duct work for heating and cooling units can also be damaged.”

Walters noted that space heaters, which are also dangerous if left unattended, can even raise your rates.

“Space heaters are helpful with a limited use, but are not designed to try to heat a large space,” she said. “If you have several in your home, they’ll actually raise your power bill.”

Cindy Duvall, spokesperson for Mississippi Power Co., was not immediately available for comment. However, the company submitted the following tips:

• Wrap water pipes. This will reduce heat loss from your hot water lines and help to prevent your pipes from freezing. The best type of wrap to use is “foam pipe wrap” that you can find at hardware stores for an inexpensive price.

• Insulate your water heater with at least R-6 insulation. Read your water heater manufacturer’s warranty to make sure it’s not voided by adding a water heater jacket. Do not cover the pressure release valve when you wrap the water heater.

• Keep heating vents and registers clear. Make sure they are not blocked by draperies or furniture. The vents should also be cleaned regularly with a vacuum or broom.

• Cover bare floors. Carpeting adds to comfort and heat retention, especially if there is little or no floor insulation.

• Use a humidifier to keep your home more comfortable. Adding moisture allows you to reduce the thermostat setting without feeling colder.