|
STORY CONTACT: Cindy King SAWNEE EMC OFFERS HOT TIPS FOR A COOL HOME
(Cumming,
July 9, 2003)--- According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 44 percent of an
average utility bill goes towards cooling and heating. “Consumers can reduce
energy bills by combining proper
equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, weatherization
and thermostat settings,” states Blake House, Vice President of Marketing and
Legislative Affairs. Sawnee EMC offers these cooling tips to combat the summer heat. § Consider using a whole house fan to pull cool air through the house and exhaust warm air through the attic. It is most effective at night when the outside air is cooler than the inside air. However, do not run these fans while your central AC unit is operating. § Don’t place lamps or TVs near the air-conditioning thermostat, because the thermostat senses heat from the appliances. § Plant trees or shrubs to shade air-conditioning units. A shaded unit uses ten percent less electricity. § Set thermostats as high as comfortably possible. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature, the lower your overall utility bill. Sawnee EMC is a consumer-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to 110,000 members in Dawson, Cherokee, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall and Lumpkin counties. With a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of over 280 professionals, Sawnee is the 9th largest cooperative in the nation and one of the fastest growing EMCs in the state. At Sawnee EMC, “We’re More Than Electricity, We’re Service”. |