Cold weather settles in: What to know about thermostats and freezing temps in Georgia

The Christmas season is in full swing, and winterlike conditions are becoming more common in Georgia. The Augusta Chronicle reports that temperatures are already dipping across the state and expected to fall further in the coming weeks, though winter does not officially start until the winter solstice on Dec. 21.

Georgians and their thermostats

Georgia Power advises customers to keep indoor temperatures at 68 degrees during colder months. The utility notes that raising the thermostat by even a single degree can boost heating costs by 3% to 4%.

Many households face a familiar challenge this time of year: warm afternoons followed by chilly nights. The swings can force residents to switch manually between heating and cooling. Georgia Power says smart thermostats, which adjust automatically, can help reduce that back-and-forth.

Staying warm without driving up your bill

Georgia Power recommends the following steps to conserve energy while keeping your home comfortable:

• Confirm your home has adequate insulation.
• Let sunlight in during the day; close curtains and blinds at night.
• Replace air filters monthly and make sure heating vents aren’t blocked.
• Consider using an electric blanket.

If using a space heater, keep it clear of furniture, curtains, and water sources, avoid covering the cord with rugs, and do not use it with an extension cord. Turn it off before you leave home or go to sleep.

Freezing temperatures

Areas including Athens, Atlanta and Macon could see freezing conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to The Weather Channel. Temperatures are expected to dip below 32 degrees again next Monday in those cities, as well as in Augusta and Columbus. Southern and coastal regions such as Savannah are not currently forecasted to reach freezing levels over the next month, but AccuWeather shows lows in the 30s during Christmas week. Meteorologists note that long-range projections may change as the holiday approaches.