As Georgians experience extremely high temperatures during the summer of 2023’s first real heat wave, Georgia Power (GP) encourages them to take small, simple steps to reduce the impact of high outside temperatures on their energy costs.
Some simple summer tips to save money and energy include:
Set it and forget it: Set your 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.
Keep the flow going: Change standard air filters once a month, or pleated filters every three months. A dirty filter makes your air-conditioning system work harder and uses more energy. Don’t block air returns and vents; allow free airflow.
Beat the heat: Something as simple as keeping curtains and blinds closed can significantly reduce interior heat created by direct sunlight.
Make phantoms scarce: Phantom energy loss refers to energy wasted by devices that are plugged in and using power but are not in active use. The average home has dozens of items plugged in at any given time, including refrigerators, TVs, and computers, but also things like battery chargers, electric toothbrushes, and kitchen appliances that all draw trickles of energy that can add up to as much as 10 percent of total energy consumption. Unplug unnecessary electronic devices when not in use and use smart power strips. Also, use energy-saving settings if available on newer equipment and appliances.
Cold wash, quick dry: Wash full loads of clothes with cold water and avoid over-drying. Also, clean the dryer’s lint trap before every load to increase efficiency.
Fire up the grill: Reduce temperatures inside – and energy use by an oven or electric burners – by using an outdoor grill or smoker. Also, consider using slow cookers or microwaves when appropriate.
Fill the fridge: Solids and liquids are easier to cool than air. Try to keep the refrigerator set to the optimal performance temperature recommended by the manufacturer.
In addition to the simple tips above, customers can find dozens of other energy resources, whether they own a home or rent at GeorgiaPower.com/MyEnergy, including:
- TheHomeEnergy Improvement (HEIP) program, which helps GP customers reduce energy use, save on energy costs and improve the comfort of their homes. Residential customers can earn GP rebates by making qualifying energy-saving improvements.
- The GP Energy Assistance for Savings & Efficiency (EASE) program helps eligible income-qualified customers make free energy efficiency improvements in their homes. At no cost to the customer, a program contractor performs the recommended energy efficiency upgrades.
- Rate Plan Options may offer rate solutions that fit customers’ needs and help manage their budgets. GP customers can browse seven residential options to learn which rate may work best for them.
- Georgia Power partners with many community-based organizations, nonprofits, houses of worship, and government-funded programs and services to assist those in need, such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Project SHARE with the Salvation Army, which includes contributions from other customers and matching funds by Georgia Power.