Tips for keeping cool this summer

Thu, May 15, 2008

By KRISTA HARRIS

The Brunswick News

Don't let this week's cool-down fool you – it won't be long before Coastal Georgia begins seeing temperatures back in the 90s, with heat indexes on some days over 100 degrees.

Summer is just around the corner, after all.

For those worried about rising electric bills, Georgia Power provides tips for keeping cool without breaking the bank.

Company spokesperson Lynn Wallace offers these suggestions:

Set the thermostat at 78 and leave it. Home air conditioners use a lot of electricity in the summertime, but parking the temperature setting at the optimal 78 degrees – or slightly higher, if you can tolerate it – can add up to big savings, she says.

"You can immediately realize a 3 to 5 percent decrease in energy use for every degree you adjust," she explained.

The thermostat can be turned up to a higher setting during the day when you're away, but Wallace advises against more than five degrees. Otherwise, the air conditioner will have to work that much harder to cool the house down once you get home.

It's also a good idea to change the air filter. Wallace warns that dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce efficiency.

Take advantage of ceiling fans. By helping circulate the air, ceiling fans take some of the burden off air conditioners, explained Wallace. The constant flow of air can make a room feel degrees cooler.

In the summer, the blades of a ceiling fan should circulate counter-clockwise, so that they pull warm air up toward the ceiling, Wallace said.

Make daily adjustments . Keep curtains and shades closed during the day. Check windows and doors to make sure cool air isn't escaping, and if so, use caulk or weather-stripping to block the flow.

Avoiding cooking too many meals in the heat of the day. Or better yet, try limiting your cooking to just once a day. When using the oven, avoid opening the door unnecessarily so heat won't escape into the house. Run the clothes dryer only in the evening, after the sun has gone down.

Georgia Power offers free energy audits of homes that includes on-site inspection of problem areas and suggestions on how to save. Just call 800-524-2421 or visit the Georgia Power Web site at www.georgiapower.com.

Print Story

Email to Friend