We know the cost of electricity is rising, and we’re here to help you manage your energy use so that you can lower your bill.

Smart Tips for Lowering Your Energy Costs

Heating and Cooling
  • Make sure that curtains, furniture, and other objects are not blocking your HVAC vents.
  • Repair air leaks around windows and doors using weatherstripping and caulk.
  • Depending on the season, open or close your curtains and blinds during the day to either let in or keep out the warm sunshine.
  • Check your furnace filter every month and replace it if necessary.
  • If you have an attached garage, keep the overhead door closed.
  • For an in-depth assessment of your heating and cooling systems, request a no-cost HVAC tune-up. We can get your system running to its optimal condition, which can help reduce your energy usage and costs while keeping you comfortable.
Electronics
  • Turn off computers and other electronic devices when they’re not in use.
  • Get instant rebates on advanced power strips to keep your electronics from pulling power when you’re not using them.
  • Avoid streaming video content on game consoles; those devices use 10 times more power than a laptop or tablet.*
  • For custom recommendations on more ways to save, request a no-cost Quick Home Energy Check-up. Our Energy Analyst will help you understand how your home uses energy, and you could receive energy-efficient products installed at no cost.
Water Heating
  • Set your water heater’s temperature to no more than 120 degrees.
  • Scrape your dishes instead of rinsing them while loading your dishwasher.
  • Run the dishwasher only when you’ve loaded enough dirty dishes to make a full load.
  • When it’s time to replace your water heater, consider an ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump water heater, which can save a family of four $550 every year compared to standard electric models. † We make it easy with a $1,600 rebate on ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters.
Laundry
  • Don’t over-dry your clothes. Use your dryer’s moisture sensor if it has one.
  • Remember to clean your dryer’s lint trap before running it.
  • Try to dry only full loads or reduce the drying time for partial loads.
  • Manage your energy with efficient appliances. We make it easy with a $100 instant discount on ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers.
Refrigeration
  • Every three months, vacuum the dust from your refrigerator’s condenser coils (normally found at the back or bottom).
  • Check your refrigerator door’s gaskets for a tight seal.
  • If you have a second refrigerator, don’t keep it in the garage; the extreme temperature changes out there can lead to increased energy use or spoiled food.
  • Better yet, we can go one step further by recycling that second refrigerator. We’ll do all the hard work and give you $50.

Future Resources

These are just a few things you can do. Explore other ways to manage your energy use so you can lower your energy costs. 

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EmPOWER Maryland programs are funded by a charge on your energy bill. EmPOWER programs can help you reduce your energy consumption and save you money. To learn more about EmPOWER and how you can participate, click here.

The EmPOWER Maryland charge funds programs that can help you reduce your energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and save you money. Since the inception of the EmPOWER Maryland program in 2008, the programs have saved $14.5 billion on installed measures at a cost of $4.1 billion. In addition to new program costs, this charge includes paying off the uncollected costs that were accrued over time by programs required by the EmPOWER statute and authorized by the Commission. In accordance with House Bill 864 the uncollected amounts will be fully paid by the end of 2032.

*Source: energy.gov

†Source: energystar.gov

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