Energy Saving Tips For Your Home (2024)

Fire up the grill

Reduce the temperature inside your home by using an outdoor grill or smoker instead of indoor ovens and stoves.

Tune up the A/C

Have your A/C professionally serviced now to ensure it's running efficiently. Trim nearby plants around the A/C units so they can receive proper air flow.

Utilize natural light

Cleaning windows or dusting blinds? Close draperies, blinds, or shades to reduce extra heat caused by direct sunlight. Consider opening windows, and turning off your A/C, when cooler weather allows.

Pool planning

Pool pumps can use a significant amount of energy when running constantly. Operate pool pumps the minimum number of hours needed to keep the pool clean and invest in a timer to control hours of operation. Also, consider using a pool cover for additional energy savings.

Have your HVAC serviced

Nearly 20 percent of your monthly energy use may be attributed to cooling your home in the summer. Inefficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can also amount to hundreds of dollars in additional energy costs every year.

Focus on the fridge

Proper cleaning and maintenance of the refrigerator, such as dusting the dirt from refrigerator coils and removing food to allow air to circulate, can reduce its energy consumption.

Think thermostat

Set your programmable thermostat to 78°F in the summer for energy-efficient results. Also utilizing your ceiling fan can make your space feel 5°F cooler, keeping you comfortable and relaxed.

Keep air vents clear

To maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home, keep air vents and registers clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains and rugs.

Use your fans

A ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting by as much as 4 degrees Fahrenheit with no reduction in comfort. During moderately hot weather, ceiling fans may allow you to avoid using your air conditioner altogether.

Prevent overloading circuits

Prevent overloading equipment and circuits.It can cause insulation to burn, create sparks and leave exposed wires.

Only use surge protectors with internal circuit breakers

These units will trip the breaker if the power strip is overloaded and shorted to prevent overheating.

Remember to insulate

Keep heat where it belongs with proper insulation in attics and walls. You'll save energy 24/7 and be eligible for hundreds of dollars in rebates from Georgia Power.

Focus on the fireplace

Close the flue damper tightly, or leave cracked if it's a standing pilot light when the fireplace is not in use. Consider increasing fireplace efficiency with a heat-circulating fireplace and chimney adapter system.

Check outlets

Check for outletsthat have loose-fitting plugs, exposed wires or broken plates. Have them fixed by a qualified electrician.

Let the sun shine in

Keeping the blinds and shades open during the day is a no-cost way to naturally heat your home. Close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

Let it flow

Heating accounts for as much as 50 percent of a home's typical winter energy usage. Maximize the efficiency of the unit by changing the filters once a month, or every three months for pleated filters. Ensure that heating vents are clear of any obstructions, such as furniture or drapes.

Conduct home checks

Developing a schedule to conduct home checks of appliances and outlets is a simple way to catch potential fire hazards.

Have access to a fire extinguisher

Know where the nearest fire extinguishers areand how to use them. Only Class C extinguishers are safe to use on energized electrical equipment.

Replace caulk and stripping

Replace cracked or peeling caulk or weather stripping around doors and windows to save up to 10 percent on energy use.

Use caution with appliance cords

Prevent buildup on electrical appliances

Be safe with the use of space heaters

Keep space heaters away from furniture, curtains, sinks, tubs and water. Do not lay rugs or carpet over the cord. Do not use heaters if the cord is frayed or broken, and do not use an extension cord. Turn off heaters before leaving home or going to bed.

Use a smart thermostat

Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower and maintain a consistent temperature in the house. Each additional degree has a substantial impact on energy costs. Install a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the home's temperature settings when you are away from the house, and save up to$100a year in energy costs, plus Georgia Power rebates up to $75.

Use safety covers

Make sure to use safety covers on all outlets accessible to children.

Protect appliances with SurgeDefender

Georgia Power offers a state-of-art product, SurgeDefender, to single-family homeowners including individually metered, owned townhouses and condominiums to help protect motor-driven appliances such as refrigerator, HVAC, washer/dryer from power surges entering on the electric lines.

Enjoy savings, rebates and incentives through the Home Energy Improvement Program

When looking for ways to enjoy year-round comfort and home energy savings, the Home Energy Improvement Program (HEIP) offers Georgia Power customers rebates for implementing and installing Whole House or Individual Improvements. For more information, call1-877-310-5607or visit the HEIP site.

The lower the temperature, the higher the savings.

Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm or setting to the recommended 120 degrees F can cut energy use in half. Using the cold cycle reduces energy use even more.

Create an airtight thermal boundary

Turn off your lights

Always wash a full load of dishes

Unless they have independently operating compartments, most automatic dishwashers require the same amount of hot water and electricity to wash a partial or full load.

Seal gaps and cracks around rim joists

Sealing rim joist air leaks can make a big improvement in your home’s energy use—especially in the winter. Use caulk or expanding spray foam to seal areas between the sill plate and foundation, in cavities between rim joists and all electrical penetrations, and around pipes and ventilation ducts that pass outside of the house.

Keep your air vents free of obstructions

To maintain even temperatures throughout your home, keep air vents and registers clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains and rugs.

Equip computers with sensors that will turn them off automatically after a set period of inactivity

Keep doors & windows closed when using your heating or cooling system

There’s no need to heat or cool the outdoors. Save money and energy by keeping conditioned air inside where it belongs.

Visit EnergySaver.gov

Remember to turn off the vent fans

Turn off kitchen, bathroom and other ventilating fans as soon as they are no longer needed. In about one hour, these fans can pull out a substantial amount of warmed or cooled air.

Invest in energy-efficient light fixtures

Save energy and money with ENERGY STAR® qualified lighting fixtures, which are available in variety of popular styles, including cabinet-mounted, ceiling-mounted, recessed can models and more. To learn more, visitwww.georgiapower.com/lighting.

Avoid hand-washing and pre-rinsing dishes

Let your dishwasher do the work and save up to 3 times the water.

Cook small portions in your microwave or toaster oven

Seal your heating and cooling ducts

Lower your thermostat for large gatherings

Lower your thermostat when large groups of people are expected during the winter. Because our bodies act as small heaters and humidifiers, a gathering will compensate for the lower setting.

Energy-Efficient Construction

If you’re shopping for a newly constructed home, ask the builder about the home’s HERS score (Home Energy Rating System), which measures the energy efficiency of a home. The lower the HERS score, the greater the efficiency and energy savings.

Don’t forget all the ways to pay

In addition to accepting payments online and by mail, pay your bill where you shop. We offer over 4,000 Authorized Payment Locations (APLs) sites. Learn more about APLs by visitinggeorgiapowercheckout.com.

Save up to $300 a year with an energy-efficient heat pump

If your heating and cooling system is older, consider installing a more efficient system with a higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The most energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home year-round, today’s heat pumps are easy to install and maintain.

Use heat-generating appliances when it’s coolest

Avoid using appliances that give off heat during the hottest times of the day as they will make your cooling system work that much harder. Cook your meals, wash your dishes and launder your clothes in the morning or in the late evening, when the demand on your cooling system is less.

Make sure your attic is well ventilated

Proper attic ventilation can reduce your energy consumption and increase your comfort during summer’s heat and winter’s chill. Natural air flow in the attic also keeps the roof decking cool and dry, extending the life of roof shingles. Be sure attic soffit, gable and ridge vents are not blocked so air flows freely through them.

Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs

Operate your home appliances during off-peak hours

Take advantage of peak-use pricing and operate your home appliances—like your washer, dryer and dishwasher – during off-peak times. Off-peak electricity rates apply during times when power demand is lower resulting in reduced rates. This will also help reduce the load on your home’s electrical system.

Install storm doors

A storm door creates a pocket of insulated air space between itself and your house’s exterior door. This reduces heat transfer into and out of your home, lowering heating and cooling costs.

Save up to $100 a year with a programmable thermostat

Invest in energy-efficient home electronics

Insulate your attic, walls & floors

Insulation is designed to resist heat flow, which reduces the amount of heat transferred inside your house during hot weather, and helps reduce heat losses when it’s cold outside. We recommend R-30 for the attic, R-19 for floors and R-13 for walls or local codes, whichever is higher. (Most homes built prior to 1978 were not required to have wall insulation.)

Use an electric blanket

Electric blankets save you money during the winter because they enable you to lower your thermostat setting. And, each degree you set your thermostat back saves you about 3-4% on heating costs. If you have an electric blanket, remember to use it wisely: Turn it off during the day and place another blanket on top of it to keep in the heat. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions about covering it and securing the corners to your mattress.

Change your air filters

Change your filters once a month during the heating and cooling season. If you have pleated filters, change them at least every three months. If you’ve replaced your air filters but your system still seems to be performing poorly, have it serviced by a licensed contractor.

Recycle your secondary refrigerator

By recycling your secondary refrigerator or freezer, you'll save up to $100 a year in energy costs, or as much as $800 over its remaining life. Learn more about the Refrigerator Recycling Program.

Invest in energy-efficient windows

Thermal or storm windows can save you energy by reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. They also increase comfort by helping eliminate drafts, reduce fading of interior furnishings and decrease outside noise that enters your home.

Invest in energy-efficient equipment and appliances

When buying or replacing equipment for your home, be sure to compare the energy requirements of various models. Whenever possible, invest in high efficiency products that have earned The ENERGY STAR® label. For more details, visitenergystar.gov.

Seal around wiring and plumbing

Seal around wiring and plumbing penetrations. Use caulk for small holes and expanding foam for larger areas. This will keep unconditioned air from entering the house or conditioned air from escaping.

Cut your energy costs by more than half with a heat pump water heater

Learn how using heat pump technology with a water heater can be two to three times more efficient and result in big savings on your electric bill.

The Georgia Power Marketplace

The Georgia Power Marketplaceis our online store for residential smart home devices, LED lighting, smart and Wi-Fi thermostats, water saving products, and outdoor living items. Instant rebates are applied at checkout for qualifying energy efficient products for residential Georgia Power customers. Visitwww.georgiapowermarketplace.com.

Turn on your ceiling fan for summer savings

Cut your water heating bills

There are four primary ways to cut your water heating bills:(1) use less hot water; (2) turn down the thermostat on your water heater;(3) insulate your water heater and pipes; and (4) buy a new, more efficient model.* Source: ENERGY STAR®-www.energystar.gov

Seal your exterior openings and electrical outlets

Keeping conditioned air from leaking out saves you energy and money. Seal outlets and switch plates with pre-cut foam gasket covers. Make sure the caulk and weather stripping around your doors and windows are in good shape. 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.

Clear plants & brush away from your outside heating and cooling unit

Keep plants and brush at least three feet away from outside heating and cooling units so they can operate more efficiently.

Seal any air gaps in your attic

Your attic’s plumbing stacks, vents, ductwork, electrical wires and other structural penetrations often have gaps around them, allowing the conditioned air in your home to escape into the attic. This can cause air drafts and increase your energy bill. Use caulk and spray foam sealant to fill these gaps, cracks and holes.Also insulate yourattic’s access point by creating a simple, insulated box that sits over the frame of your attic opening.

Keep your supply registers open

Do not close supply registers in unused areas of your home. Keeping them open increases your system’s efficiency by allowing air to flow freely throughout the room and house.

Choose an electric water heater

Did you know that your home’s second largest energy user is the water heater? Take control of your energy use by choosing an efficient electric water heater and see how economical it can be. Learn more by visitingwww.georgiapower.com/waterheater.

Set your thermostat

Set thermostats at 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter. You can expect a 3-4% increase in energy use for every degree you set the thermostat lower in the summer and higher in the winter. Also consider installing a programmable thermostat, which will automatically adjust your home’s temperature settings when you’re away or sleeping—a benefit that can save you up to $100 a year.

Take an Online Energy Check-Up

Take a short questionnaire and receive personalized recommendations on how to save based on your current energy usage. Complete your checkup atgeorgiapower.com/saveonenergy.

Seal gaps around flues

Chimney, water heater or furnace flues that penetrate your attic floor, basem*nt floor or crawlspace have gaps around them, allowing the conditioned air in your home to escape into your attic and potentially increasing your energy bill. Make your home more comfortable and energy efficient by sealing these leaks with metal flashing and high-temperature caulk. Sealing gaps around flues should be done by a professional.

Landscape with heating and cooling in mind

Well-placed trees around the house can provide natural shade and insulation, helping you save money and energy—between $100 and $250 annually—on your air conditioning costs.

Install low flow showerheads and faucets

Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators – they reduce hot water consumption by up to 50 percent. And take showers instead of baths – you’ll use about half as much water.

Avoid phantom energy loss

Phantom load or standby power refers to the electric power consumed by electronic equipment and appliances while they are switched off or in the standby mode. To avoid phantom energy loss, unplug devices when not in use, or use a power strip and turn the strip off.

Check your refrigerator and freezer temperature

Set your refrigerator temperature between 37 degrees and 40 degrees and your freezer at 0 degrees. If accessible, clean the condenser coils at least every six months. Make sure refrigerators and freezers are as full as possible and that the seals are in good condition.

Close the damper on your fireplace

If your unit has a fireplace, close the damper when there is no reason to prevent air from escaping up the chimney.

Use LED bulbs

Save energy and money by changing a standard light bulb in your home to an ENERGY STAR®-qualified LED bulb. LEDs use 90 percent less energy than standard bulbs and can last up to 15 times longer.

Use appliances that produce heat when it's coolest

In summer, avoid using appliances that produce heat during the hottest times of the day.

Check your water heater temperature

Check with your property manager to ensure the water heater temperature is set to 120 degrees F.

Use hot water for laundry sparingly

Wash your clothes – a full load at a time – in warm or cold water and rinse in cold. Use hot water sparingly. And don’t use too much detergent. Oversudsing makes your machine work harder.

Keep items hot in the oven

Place food in the oven as soon as it has preheated and avoid opening the oven door excessively.

Remember to change your filters

If your heating and cooling equipment is in your unit and you have access to it, clean or change the filters every month. A dirty filter makes your equipment work harder – which will result in higher bills.

Use fans to make the air feel cooler

Using a ceiling or area fan in the summer will make the air feel up to six degrees cooler. However, use fans only if you are in the room. Running the fan doesn't actually lower the temperature; it just makes you feel cooler.

Retain heat while cooking

When cooking, use the range rather than the oven when possible. Match pots and pans to burner size to minimize heat loss. Use lids on your pots to keep in the heat.

Do not block vents

Make sure furniture, curtains, rugs and other items do not block vents and registers.

Shop for energy-efficient appliances

Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when purchasing televisions, computer monitors and other electronic devices.

Set your thermostat for the season

Set your thermostat at 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter and leave it alone. With each degree decrease on your thermostat in the winter and increase in the summer, you can see a 3-4 percent decrease in energy use.

Use your window shades appropriately

On winter days, open window shades that allow direct sunlight to enter to help heat your home. On summer days, close shades to block the sun's rays.

Lighter décor reflects light

Decorate with light-colored walls, rugs, window treatments and upholstery to reflect light and reduce the need for artificial light.

Use your dryer for consecutive loads

Dry clothes in consecutive loads so the dryer doesn’t have to reheat every time. Separate loads into heavy and light- weight items for more even drying and remove clothes when they’re still slightly damp. Clean the lint filter after each load.

Run the dishwasher when it's full

Wait until your dishwasher is full before using it. Automatic dishwashers require the same amount of hot water and electricity to wash a partial or full load. Turn off the drying cycle if you do not need to dry dishes immediately.

Do not leave electronics on

Turn off TVs, computers and other electronic devices when not in use.

Report leaks immediately

Report leaking faucets to your property manager – one drop of hot water per minute wastes about 60 gallons of water per week and the energy to heat it.

Cook small portions in the microwave

Cooking small portions in the microwave or toaster oven generates less heat than the stove or oven and can reduce electrical usage for cooking by as much as 80 percent.