As Georgians continue to weather the high summer heat, Georgia Power aims to help its customers minimize the impact of the higher temperatures on electric bills and provide easy ways to save around the house.
Tips, Tools & Resources
Georgia Power offers efficiency information and tools that can help customers save money and energy throughout the year. The company’s My Power Usage tool, a free service available for many Georgia Power online accounts, allows customers to track their daily energy use online, project their monthly bill, set alerts and stay within a set energy budget.
Simple summer tips to save money and energy include:
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Set it for the season – Set the thermostat to 78 degrees and use fans to keep you feeling cooler. For every degree higher you maintain your thermostat, you can see up to a 3-4% decrease in energy use.
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Change the air filter and unblock air vents – Change standard air filters once a month, or pleated filters once every three months. A clogged filter makes your AC work harder, increases wear on your unit, and uses more energy. Clear spaces around your air returns and vents to allow free air flow.
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Keep the heat out – Close your curtains and blinds during peak hours of the day to reduce extra heat caused by direct sunlight.
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Wash clothes cold – Wash full loads of clothes with cold water and avoid over-drying. Also, clean the lint trap before every load to increase efficiency.
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Fire up the grill – Reduce the temperature inside your home by using an outdoor grill or smoker instead of indoor ovens and stoves. Also consider the slow cooker or microwave.
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Fill your fridge – Solids and liquids are easier to cool than air. Try to keep your refrigerator set to the temperature recommended by the manufacturer for optimal performance.
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Avoid phantom energy loss – Unplug your electronic devices when not in use and use smart power strips. Consider energy-saving settings, which are often available…
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