FOCUS:  Some smart tips to beat the heat

By April Sorrow, Jefferson, Ga.   |  As temperatures climb into the 90s, Jackson Electric Membership Corporation encourages members to reduce energy use where possible to save money. When temperatures outside are high, heat pumps must work overtime to keep the air indoors cool.

Follow these tips to reduce energy use to save money.

Stay cool for less

Nearly half of the electricity used at home goes to condition the air inside. To impact cost, the air conditioner or heat pump needs to run less.

• Set your thermostat to 78 degrees.
• Don’t turn off the air conditioner when you’re gone; instead set it higher. Turning it off makes the system work much harder to overcome the heat built up in the house when you turn it back on.
• Better still, use a programmable thermostat. Set it to bring your home’s temperature down to 78 degrees 30 minutes before you get home.
• Replace air conditioner filters now, then once a month. The dirtier the filter, the harder your heat pump must work.
• Lamps, televisions or anything that creates heat needs to be kept away from the thermostat, as they will impact its accuracy.
• Don’t block vents with furniture or other objects.
• Use ceiling fans when you are in a room to provide additional cooling; they also provide better circulation, which reduces air conditioning costs.
• Trim foliage around the air conditioning condenser to allow adequate airflow around the unit.

Reduce heat inside

• Restrict use of heat-producing appliances like ovens, dishwashers and dryers to the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler outdoors.
• Grill outside or use a microwave or toaster oven. A toaster oven uses one-third to one-half as much energy as a regular oven and releases less heat into the home.
• Turn off heat-generating devices when not in use — including lamps, televisions and computers.
• On warm days, close blinds and drapes, especially in south-facing windows which allow in the most heat.

Cut energy use everywhere else

• Activate “sleep” features on computers and office equipment that power down when the equipment is not in use.
• Do full loads when you use clothes washers, dryers and dishwashers.
• Use dimmers, timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
• Replace lightbulbs with LED bulbs, which burn longer and produce less heat.

Plan long-term

• Plant deciduous trees to shade the south side of your house.
• Insulate floors, walls and attics to keep cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
• Get your air conditioner tuned-up. Consider a maintenance contract that provides a checkup twice a year, prior to peak cooling and heating seasons.
• If your HVAC unit is 10 years old or more, consider replacing it. New models are more efficient and may lower your electric bill. Jackson EMC offers rebates and low-interest loans for qualifying members. More details about these programs are available at com/rebates.

For more money-saving tips, check out the list at www.jacksonemc.com/waystosave.

• This article was republished with permission of our sister publication, GwinnettForum.com.

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