Keeping Cool and Saving Money When It's Hot

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid to upper 90's and reach or top 100 through Thursday with heat index levels ranging from 100 to 110, according to the National Weather Service. Duluth is under a heat advisory from 11 a.m. Wednesday until 5 a.m. Thursday.

The heat advisory is in effect in an area south of a Rome to Gainesville line. Conditions are hazardous for outdoor activities. Duluth is also under a Code Orange Smog Alert.

So to keep cool while keeping the bank account in check, consider these energy saving tips to keep your electricity costs down and the temperature cool in your home.

According to Georgia Power, one of the biggest energy consumer on most electricity bills is the air conditioner.

"It represents about 50 percent of a customers bill during the summer months," said Lynn Wallace, a spokesperson with Georgia Power.

If you are looking to make a dent in your electricity bill and see some significant savings--adjust your thermostat.

"Set your thermostat at 78 degrees and leave it there," said Wallace. "Basically for each degree below 78 degrees that you set your thermostat, you're actually using three to five percent more energy."

But despite the piping hot temperatures Georgia Power customers have not yet hit an all time summer peak.

"I think customers are already doing a good job of conserving," Wallace said.

Other money saving tips to consider, courtesy of Georgia Power:

• Set the thermostat even higher when at work or away from home for long periods of time, but no more than five degrees higher. (Even better, invest in a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts your home’s temperature to your schedule, so you’re comfortable when at home and save energy while away.) 

• Change or clean your air conditioner filter regularly to maximize the unit’s cooling potential. Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce efficiency.

• Keep air vents clear of obstructions to help your heating and cooling system operate more efficiently.

• Check your windows and doors for a tight fit. Apply weather stripping or caulking if needed.

• Clear outside units of plants or brush so they can work more efficiently.

• Use fans whenever possible. Ceiling fans can make the air in a room feel six degrees cooler and allow you to save energy.  (Remember, however, to turn them off when you’re not in the room.)

• Run the dishwasher, dryer and stove in the morning or after the sun goes down to avoid adding heat to your house during the hottest part of the day.

• Use a power strip or simply unplug electronics when they are not in use and save as much as $100 a year.

• Turn down your water-heater thermostat. A setting of 120 degrees is adequate for most homes and will save money and energy.

• When using the dishwasher, turn off the drying cycle if you don’t need dishes right away.

Other energy-saving suggestions include turning out lights or installing energy efficient lighting and more in-depth energy saving projects, like upgrading attic insulation to save money.