HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — As temperatures begin to drop across Central Georgia, residents are preparing for the impact on their energy bills, and power providers are sharing ways to save.
Flint Energies Manager Rod Green says one of the simplest ways to keep costs down is managing your thermostat settings.
"Every degree you go above 68 could cost you 3 to 5% per degree that you go up," Green said.
The nonprofit energy cooperative recommends several steps homeowners can take to minimize their winter energy costs:
• Set thermostats to 68 degrees
• Install weatherstripping around doors and windows
• Add insulation covers to exterior wall outlets
• Use LED light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs
• Service HVAC systems annually
• Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat
• Use gas fireplaces when available as supplemental heat
• Layer clothing instead of raising the temperature
Houston County resident Kerri Campbell is already taking steps to prepare her home for winter.
"We are currently working on insulating our house," Campbell said. "We just keep the temperatures lower and that's about it. That's all we can do."
While 68 degrees is the recommended temperature setting, some residents, like Jai Stewart, prefer to maintain a consistent temperature year-round.
"We don't like it too hot, and we don't like it too cold. So it stays pretty much at 75 degrees pretty much all year round," Stewart said.
Green emphasized the importance of proper home sealing to prevent heat loss.
"It keeps the cold air from coming in, infiltrating and making it uncomfortable temperature-wise inside your home," he said.
For those considering space heaters as a supplemental heat source, Green advises caution. He recommends keeping space heaters away from curtains and water sources and checking cords for fraying to prevent fire hazards.