wpe3.jpg (1726 bytes)onsumer Corner


What You Need To Know To Hold Down Home Utility Costs


Where Do You Start? 

Almost one-half of the energy we use in our homes is used for heating and cooling. Hot water heaters are the second largest users of our home energy followed by refrigerators and freezers. Energy is also used for lighting, cooking, and appliances.

Saving energy in your home can help control your living costs. Many energy savings actually cost little or nothing to implement and help us hold down our home energy costs.

Stop Air Leaks

Small air leaks add up in a hurry. Often, many leaks around poorly fitting windows and doors have the same effect as leaving a door standing open.

 

Heating And Cooling Seasons

Before placing your heating and cooling equipment into service each year, have your system safety checked by a qualified service technician.

Consider the advantages of a clock thermostat for your heating and cooling system. The clock thermostat will turn the heat or air down for you automatically at a regular hour before you retire and turn it on again before you wake. While you can easily turn your thermostat back at night and up again in the morning by yourself, the convenience of a clock thermostat may be worth the $40 to $90 investment.

Hot Water Savers

Heating water costs you money whether you use the water or not.

Repair Water Leaks

Leaking faucets and toilets waste money you spend for both hot water and cold water.

Lighting and Appliances

Household Appliances

The golden rule is, "If you are not using it, turn it off!" About 30 percent of the average consumer's electric bill results from use of these appliances.

                                                       

KWH Per Month Cost Per Month
Automatic coffee pot                            10 $.80
Clothes washer                                 5 $.40
Clocks                                               1 $.08
Hair Dryer                                      3 $.24
Iron                                                 4 $.32
Lighting                                            40 $3.20
Radio                                                  4 $.32
Range oven and surface                  54 $4.32
Refrigerator-freezer                           134 $10.72
Television or stereo                               46 $3.68
Toaster                                                3 $.24
Vacuum Cleaner                                    3 $.24
Clothes Dryer                                       56 $4.48
Dishwasher                                       19 $1.92
Electric Blanket                                 20 $1.60
Freezer                                                 99 $7.92
Microwave Oven                               10 $.80
Pool Pump                                         259 $20.72
Waterbed                                              100 $8.00

 

 

Georgia Public Service Commission
244 Washington Street, SW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656-4501
1-800-282-5813
Fax: (404) 656-2341
Email: gapsc@psc.state.ga.us

 

Last Updated: June 15, 2000