Ga. Power Offers Energy Saving Tips for Summer

Today is the First Day of Summer and hot weather has already made multiple appearances in the area.

With that in mind, Georgia Power has some tips for trying to save energy this summer.

Georgia Power Spokesman John Kraft said one thing people can do is make sure that their A/C unit is serviced annually to make sure it is running efficiently and when doing yard work, be sure to trim nearby plants and cut grass away from around the A/C unit so it can receive proper air flow.

He said there are a couple of other easy things people can do to try and cut energy costs without spending a lot of money.

“Just bumping your thermostat up a degree or two will save a surprising amount of electricity and then you can use fans in your home that will create that cooling effect as you feel the wind without using nearly as much electricity,” said Kraft. “If you have drapes or curtains, keep those closed during the sunny part of the day.”

He said people should also make sure drapes are not blocking A/C vents.

Kraft said another thing to keep in mind is to watch that pool pump and pool filtration system.

“Pool pumps can use a lot of energy, so if you can slowly reduce that filtration time, maybe by say 30 minute increments, or install a timer, to control the time that pump is operating, that will be a way you can save energy,” said Kraft.

In addition, Kraft said secondary refrigerators and freezers, especially if located in garages or sheds that are not air conditioned, use a lot of energy.

He said people should consider recycling those as a energy-saving measure.

Finally, he said people can also look at some long-term ideas that may cut energy costs.

“Adding insulation to your attic or upgrading your air conditioning system,” said Kraft.

For more energy-saving tips, go online to www.GeorgiaPower.com/Save.