Spring Break
Reducing power can save you money!
Margaret Foran
Issue date: 10/23/08 Section: News
Saving money on power bills is a major concern of college students. Most students are shocked to see the costly price of their power bills. But there are some helpful tips to reduce the monthly dread.
Georgia Power, the company who provides our electricity, has provided several tips to save energy. The company offers free home energy audits where experts will assess the energy use in your home. Experts identify ways you can save money and energy.
Since winter is approaching, Georgia Power suggests keeping your thermostat heater at 68 degrees. The lower the temperature in the winter, the more energy is saved. Each degree higher than 70 degrees can increase heating cost by one to three percent. Never completely turn off the system because it takes more energy to start the system back up.
Make sure to change your air filter every one to three months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool-wasting energy.
Keep air and floor vents clear of obstructions such as furniture and drapes. This will allow air to circulate freely to maintain a comfortable temperature. Also, keep bedroom doors closed to keep the room cool.
In the winter, reverse the ceiling fan motor to clockwise direction and increase your thermostat two degrees. This forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space.
Window shades keep the room warm in the winter so keep the drapes open during the daylight hours.
The easiest way to save energy and money is to turn off lights when you leave the room. This could save you $15 per year in energy cost.
Replace regular light bulbs with high efficiency compact fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs cost more but uses less energy and last longer. This will save you up to 75 percent in lighting cost. Fluorescent bulbs can be used in outdoor lighting, bathrooms, the kitchen, living room and reading lamps.
Use a power strip for your electronics and computer equipment to completely disconnect the power supply. With the number of students in a household, this will save up to 40 watts for each piece of equipment.
Georgia Power, the company who provides our electricity, has provided several tips to save energy. The company offers free home energy audits where experts will assess the energy use in your home. Experts identify ways you can save money and energy.
Since winter is approaching, Georgia Power suggests keeping your thermostat heater at 68 degrees. The lower the temperature in the winter, the more energy is saved. Each degree higher than 70 degrees can increase heating cost by one to three percent. Never completely turn off the system because it takes more energy to start the system back up.
Make sure to change your air filter every one to three months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool-wasting energy.
Keep air and floor vents clear of obstructions such as furniture and drapes. This will allow air to circulate freely to maintain a comfortable temperature. Also, keep bedroom doors closed to keep the room cool.
In the winter, reverse the ceiling fan motor to clockwise direction and increase your thermostat two degrees. This forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space.
Window shades keep the room warm in the winter so keep the drapes open during the daylight hours.
The easiest way to save energy and money is to turn off lights when you leave the room. This could save you $15 per year in energy cost.
Replace regular light bulbs with high efficiency compact fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs cost more but uses less energy and last longer. This will save you up to 75 percent in lighting cost. Fluorescent bulbs can be used in outdoor lighting, bathrooms, the kitchen, living room and reading lamps.
Use a power strip for your electronics and computer equipment to completely disconnect the power supply. With the number of students in a household, this will save up to 40 watts for each piece of equipment.
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