Georgia Power is urging customers across the state to prepare for freezing temperatures and potential snow this week by taking simple steps to reduce energy costs and stay warm at home.
As temperatures in Savannah are expected to drop to 31 degrees on Sunday, January 19, 2025, residents face the possibility of snow and ice moving through the region. The cold snap comes just after Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, where parade watchers bundled up against the chill. Energy experts say now is the time to act before utility bills spike during the winter months.
Why Winter Energy Bills Rise in Georgia
Cold weather forces heating systems to work overtime. When temperatures fall below freezing, homes lose heat faster through walls, windows, and doors. This means your heating unit runs longer and consumes more electricity.
Georgia Power notes that many customers see their highest bills during winter months. The company estimates that heating accounts for a significant portion of residential energy use during cold snaps. Taking preventive measures before extreme weather arrives can help households avoid sticker shock when the next bill comes.
The timing of this cold front makes preparation even more critical. Weather forecasters expect conditions to remain frigid through the weekend, giving families only a few days to winterize their homes.
Simple Steps to Reduce Energy Costs
Georgia Power recommends several practical actions that homeowners can take right now. These tips focus on maximizing heating efficiency without expensive upgrades or professional help.
| Energy Saving Tip | Potential Benefit |
|---|---|
| Change heating filters monthly | Improves airflow and efficiency |
| Use pleated filters every 3 months | Extends filter life while maintaining quality |
| Clear heating vents of obstructions | Ensures even heat distribution |
| Check insulation throughout home | Saves up to 10% on energy usage |
| Apply weatherstripping to doors | Blocks cold air from entering |
| Replace cracked caulk around windows | Prevents heat loss and drafts |
These small changes add up quickly. A well maintained heating system does not have to work as hard, which means lower electricity consumption and smaller bills at the end of the month.
Focus on Insulation and Sealing Gaps
One of the most overlooked causes of high winter energy bills is poor insulation. Georgia Power emphasizes that checking insulation can save homeowners up to 10 percent on their energy usage. Cold air often seeps into homes through small cracks and gaps that go unnoticed.
Weatherstripping around doors and windows creates a tight seal that keeps warm air inside. This inexpensive fix takes only minutes to apply but delivers lasting results throughout the winter season.
Homeowners should also inspect caulk around window frames. Over time, caulk can crack, peel, or shrink, leaving gaps where cold air enters. Replacing old caulk with a fresh application helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without overworking your heating system.
Keep Heating Vents Clear for Better Airflow
Furniture placement matters more than many people realize. Georgia Power advises customers to keep heating vents and return air registers free from obstruction. Couches, chairs, curtains, and drapes can block airflow and force heating systems to run longer.
Walk through your home and check each vent. Make sure nothing sits directly in front of or on top of heating registers. This simple inspection can improve heat circulation throughout your living space.
Return air registers are equally important. These vents pull air back into the system to be reheated and recirculated. Blocking them reduces efficiency and increases energy consumption.
How to Prepare for Potential Snow and Ice
Beyond energy savings, Georgians should prepare for the possibility of winter weather affecting roads, power lines, and daily routines. Here are key steps to consider before the cold arrives:
- Stock up on essential supplies including food, water, and medications
- Charge phones and electronic devices in case of power outages
- Locate flashlights and batteries for emergency lighting
- Keep vehicles fueled and ready for travel if needed
- Know how to report power outages to Georgia Power
- Bring pets indoors and protect outdoor plants from frost
The combination of snow and ice can create hazardous conditions across the state. Residents in Savannah and surrounding areas should monitor local weather updates and follow guidance from emergency management officials.
What Georgia Power Customers Should Know
Georgia Power serves millions of customers throughout the state. The company encourages anyone experiencing a power outage to report it immediately through their website, mobile app, or customer service line. Crews will be on standby to respond quickly if winter weather causes disruptions.
Customers can also access their account online to track energy usage and identify opportunities to save. Many find that monitoring their daily consumption helps them make smarter choices about heating and electricity use.
As temperatures continue to drop this week, taking action now will pay off later. Whether you spend a few minutes changing a filter or an hour applying weatherstripping, every effort helps keep your home warm and your energy bills manageable.
Share this article with neighbors, friends, and family members who could benefit from these tips. Drop a comment below with your own favorite ways to stay warm and save energy during Georgia winters.
