During heat wave, heed these tips for setting your thermostat
AUGUSTA, Ga. - Although the temperature outside may be near 100 degrees, experts say you should be using what they call the 20-degree rule.
That means you should keep your thermostat at 80 degrees when it’s 100 degrees outside.
Your AC unit will typically lower the temperature in your home about 20 degrees from what the temperature is outside. This means if it’s 100 degrees outside, most homes will only get down to around 80 degrees.
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So when you’re setting your thermostat while you’re home or away, you’ll want to keep this in mind.
You can set your thermostat for a lower temperature, but it might not help much and you’ll end up spending more money in the long run.
It will continue to run in order to try and reach the temperature of where you set it, but it really won’t get it beyond that 20-degree mark, experts say.
So you’ll be wasting energy, as well as money.
Don’t forget to change out your air filters often, which will help your unit run at peak efficiency.
Tips from Georgia Power
- Think thermostat – Heating and cooling costs make up nearly half of your average power bill. Make the most of programmable thermostats, which help decrease energy use based on your lifestyle.
- Use your fans – A ceiling fan costs only about $1.50 a month to operate and will help you feel cooler without having to adjust your thermostat.
- Clear air vents – To maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home, keep air vents and return-air s clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains and rugs.
- Trim plants and change filters – To ensure your unit receives proper air flow, change filters once a month, or every three months for pleated filters and trim plants around your outside units.
- Caulk and strip – Replace cracked or peeling caulk or weather stripping around doors and windows to save up to 10 percent on energy use.
- Use blinds and curtains – Cover sun-facing windows with blinds or curtains to help limit direct sunlight and heat from entering your home.
- Unplug certain electronics – Electronics for 5-10 percent of household electricity use. Save up to $100 a year by either using an advanced power strip or unplugging electronics when not in use.
- HVAC system tune-up – Hire a technician to ensure your HVAC equipment is working properly and schedule an equipment tune-up if necessary.
- A free online energy checkup – Take a quick and easy online energy checkup that provides a customized energy usage report and ways to save money. Visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/EnergyCheckUp to get started.
- Get some help – The Home Energy Improvement Program helps Georgia Power customers reduce energy use, save on energy costs and improve the comfort of their homes. Learn more at www.GeorgiaPower.com/HomeImprovements. The Home Energy Efficiency Assistance Program helps eligible income-qualified customers make free energy efficiency improvements in their home. Apply at www.GeorgiaPower.com/HEEAP.
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