Time to change Your AC Filter

As summer temperatures continue to climb in the mountains of Northeast Georgia, now might be a good time to change the filter in your air-conditioning unit, says Kelly Richardson, Communications Specialist for Georgia Power.  “Georgia Power likes to offer energy-efficiency advice to our customers with tools that can help customers save money and energy, especially during these hot months.  One of these ways is changing out your air filter.  To ensure your unit receives proper airflow, we do recommend changing your filters out once a month or even every three months for pleated filters.”  Richardson offers some additional ways to stay cool and keep costs low.  “The AC, usually on average makes up about half of your bill, so setting your thermostat, especially during the summer months, a little higher closer to around 78 degrees can really affect and impact your bill.  Also, using ceiling fans to make it feel cooler since they use a fraction of the energy.  A ceiling fan actually only costs you about $1.50 a month to operate and will definitely help you feel cooler without having to adjust your thermostat down into the 60s.  You can keep it at a little higher temperature as well.  Some other tips that we do like to pass along to our customers are something as simple as using blinds and curtains.  So, when you have any sun-facing windows just cover them with blinds to help limit direct sunlight and that will help prevent heat from entering your home and help keep things a little cooler as well.  We also have additional resources on our website.  You can visit www.georgiapower.com/save for more of this energy-efficiency advice and it will really help you during these summer months to lower your bill and still stay cool.”  Also, to maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home, keep air vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains, and rugs.