Summer is just getting started and we’re already looking at 90 degree and up daily temperatures.
Georgia Power has a few suggestions for keeping your home cool while saving money. While these are all fixes you can DIY, some are more costly than others. Check out their How-To videos which offer step by step instructions, and guides which shows the costs, benefits, and time to do each fix. Here's a breakdown:
Set your thermostat. You can expect a 3 to 5 percent increase in energy use for every degree you set the thermostat lower in the summer and higher in the winter. So keep yours at 78°F in the summer for the most savings. If you're willing to spend more money, consider installing a programmable thermostat. GA Power customers who install a programmable thermostat to replace a standard thermostat may be eligible for a rebate up to $100.
Check refrigerators and freezers. Keep your refrigerator and freezer as full as possible to reduce energy usage and make sure the seals are in good condition and don't put refrigerators or freezers in unconditioned garages. If you opt to buy a new appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR label. GA Power will pick-up and recycle your old appliance and will pay you $50.
Replace your air filter. Change your filters once a month during the heating and cooling season. If you have pleated filters, change them at least every three months.
Insulate your attic stairs. Properly insulate attic, walls and floors. GA Power recommends R-30 for the attic or local building codes, whichever is higher.
Seal your windows. Check caulk and weatherstripping around your windows. If the caulk is cracked or the weather-stripping is flat or peeling, replace the old material. Use caulk for small holes and expanding foam for larger areas.
081120 ATLANTA– Georgia Power energy consultant Rodney Welch (cq) discusses windows while conducting an energy audit on AJC writer Katie Leslie's home in Atlanta on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008. ALLEN SULLIVAN/aesullivan@ajc.com
**Any questions, feel free to call Allen at (404) 345-9995***
Seal your air ducts. Gaps in joints and at plenums can cause your heating and cooling bills to increase by as much as 30 percent and can allow air contaminants to enter the home. Sealing with duct mastic is the best way to fix the problem permanently.
Have heating and cooling systems professionally serviced. Have heating and cooling systems professionally serviced once a year to keep them running as efficiently as possible. If your system is older, consider installing a more efficient system you may be able to get a rebate up to $400.
For more information visit: www.georgiapower.com.
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