As the temperature rises in Georgia this summer, let’s make sure your energy bill doesn’t. Did you know Georgia ranks fifth in the country for the highest utility bills? Homeowners pay around $441 monthly on average. Therefore, any energy-saving tips to lower your energy bill in the summer can make a huge difference. In North Georgia, extremely high temperatures in the summer can be expected, even climbing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit at times. According to the AJC, Atlanta’s average high temperature is between 85-90 degrees in the Summer months. Therefore, even small tweaks can make a substantial difference in your energy bill.
Here are some of The best Energy-Saving tips
Make sure your A/C is running properly: Professionally servicing your HVAC systems can save you a copious amount of money on your energy bill. The technicians at Fritts Heating & Air are professionally trained to assess the HVAC needs of your home and provide expert advice on the best approach to optimize your air conditioning system.
Ensure that there is nothing obstructing your air conditioner: Too many plants around your A/C unit can hinder its efficiency. Make sure the area around your AC unit is completely clear to help it run smoothly.
Fire up the grill: Enjoy some fun outside while also saving on your energy bill. Using an outdoor grill instead of an oven or stove reduces the heat emitted inside your home.
Avoid placing hot objects near the thermostat: Make sure that you place objects like lamps or television sets far away from your thermostat. These hot objects can trick your thermostat into thinking that it needs to cool your home more than it needs to.
Make sure your air vents are clear: For maximum energy efficiency, make sure all your air vents are clean, and air is able to flow freely. Objects that stand above or in front of air vents can really disrupt airflow. Go through your home and make sure that all air vents are unobstructed and cleared out, especially if you have pets that tend to shed.
Optimize your laundry: If you really want to get serious about minimizing your energy costs, evaluate how you do your laundry. Doing fewer, larger loads versus many small loads can help minimize your hot water bill. Additionally, hang-drying your clothes can save electricity and can also extend the lifetime of your garments.
Utilize ceiling fans: According to Georgia Power, turning on the ceiling fans in your home can allow you to raise the thermostat by up to 4 degrees. During mild weather conditions, using ceiling fans can even eliminate the need to turn on your air conditioner at all.
Implement shade: Standing under a tree on a hot, sunny day provides us with relief from the heat, and it can do the same thing for homes as well. Plant trees and shrubbery on the south and west sides of your home to make your cooling system up to 10% more efficient. Planting trees and shrubs around your A/C unit helps cooling efficiency as well.
Inspect your water heater: Water heaters account for around 18% of your home’s energy costs. Finding ways to reduce your hot water usage can significantly reduce your energy bill. Lowering the temperature of your water heater is a small change that can make a big difference.
Use electricity during off-peak hours: When saving money on your electricity bills, using electricity during hours in low demand can make an important difference. Energy companies charge higher rates during peak hours. Georgia Power’s peak hours are between 2-7 pm on summer weekdays, and the rates make a big difference. They charge approximately 21¢/kWh during peak hours and 5¢/kWh during off-peak hours. By doing activities like dishes, laundry, and cooking outside of these peak hours, you can save a boatload of money throughout the summer.
Utilize your windows: Closing your windows, lowering your blinds, and drawing your curtains during the day really improves the efficiency of your cooling systems by keeping the hot air out. On the other hand, opening up your windows at night can increase airflow and keep you cooler while you sleep.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Few homeowners think about which thermostat is right for their home, but perhaps they should. A properly designed thermostat can do much more than just turn your heating and cooling system on and off. Upgrade your comfort level and save on utility costs with a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats learn your behaviors and optimize your cooling and heating system’s output. Fritts Heating & Air is equipped to professionally install and train you to use any of the smart thermostats available today.
Ready to Start Saving Money On Your Bill? Call Us Today!
At Fritts Heating & Air, we pride ourselves on providing the friendliest service and the highest quality of work. Our experienced technicians are equipped to take care of all of your HVAC maintenance and repair needs. Call us today at (678) 327-3897.