As summer approaches and temperatures in Georgia rise, so do energy and water bills for most homeowners. However, with the right energy-efficient home features and tips from Murray Company, Realtors, you can beat the heat and save money. This will keep both your wallet and your family happy. So, continue reading to explore energy-efficiency and conservation tips to learn more about how you can be proactive and save money during these summer months.

Energy-Efficient Home Features

• Energy-Efficient Appliances: Energy-efficient appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines, use less energy than traditional appliances, saving you money on your utility bills. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR® label, which indicates that they meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Even if this may seem like an additional expense at first, we encourage you to view it as a premium upgrade and long-term investment. Such advanced appliances or Smart Appliances are bound to save you money in the long run.
•  

• Programmable Thermostats: A programmable thermostat, such as those recommended by Georgia Power and sold by Honeywell, allows you to set the temperature of your home based on your schedule. You can program the thermostat to raise the temperature when you’re away from home and lower it when you’re home, saving you money on cooling costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled remotely using your smartphone, giving you greater control over your home’s energy usage. For example, if you head out for vacation or even a day out and forget to adjust your thermostat, you can do so from anywhere! 
•  
• LED Lighting: LED lighting uses less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and lasts much longer, saving you money on replacement costs. LED bulbs also produce less heat, reducing the amount of work your air conditioner has to do to keep your home cool. This is great for energy efficiency and also reducing your carbon footprint, because these bulbs last longer and are typically made from non-toxic materials.
•  
• Proper Insulation and Sealing: Proper insulation and sealing can help prevent cool air from escaping your home, helping to maintain a consistent temperature inside your home. Then, this can also help reduce the workload on your air conditioner. Inspect your home for air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Additionally, make sure your attic is properly insulated to prevent heat from entering your home. Plus, we know how the Georgia humidity can get. You can also invest in a dehumidifier so your air conditioner does not have to work as hard to remove moisture from the air.
•  

Conservation Tips

Such savings do not have to come with any new products or upfront costs. You can make small changes to your daily routines and still make a great impact that benefits your wallet, your family, and ultimately your planet.

1. Unplug Electronics When Not in Use: Many electronic devices consume energy even when turned off. Unplug devices like TVs, computers, chargers, and kitchen appliances when not in use to save energy.
2.  
3. Optimize Appliance Use: Run appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads. 
4.  
5. Turn Off Lights When Not in Use: Get into the habit of turning off lights when you leave a room. This simple action can save energy and reduce your electricity bill. Plus, use natural light! Open curtains and blinds during the day to take advantage of natural light instead of using energy-consuming lighting. This can help reduce your reliance on electric lights and reduce your bill.
6.  
7. Limit Hot Water Usage: Heating water can be a significant energy expense. Take shorter showers, wash clothes in cold water, and fix leaks in faucets and pipes to reduce hot water usage.
8.  
9. Plant Trees or Shrubs: Planting trees or shrubs strategically around your home can provide natural shade in the summer, reducing the need for air conditioning.
10.  

Connect With Us

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay updated on our latest listings, industry trends, and more. Also, stay tuned for more exciting blogs, which will feature more information about our real estate brokerage, our agents, seasonal tips, and more!

At Murray Company, Realtors, we don’t just facilitate transactions, we foster relationships and fuel opportunities. Your dream is just a phone call away. Call us today at (770) 227-8661 to get connected!