This tutorial is designed to provide you with the basic information you’ll need to save money, and you’ll also walk away with your own energy management plan.
During the heating season use the lowest comfortable temperature setting when home and awake
Turn down the thermostat when not in the home
Install a programmable thermostat
Heating and Cooling
Insulation and Air Sealing
Insulating and sealing your how from air drafts is very important to keep the warmed or cooled air inside your home.
Major areas of the home that need heavy insulation, include attics, walls, and crawl spaces.
Only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well insulated, so if your home falls into that category, you may need to add insulation.
Equipment Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system is also very important to maintain an energy efficient system. The following schedule can help you keep on track:
Service oil heating systems yearly
Service natural gas systems every two years
Replace filters on air systems
Do‐it‐Yourself Actions to Reduce Drafts
Caulk interior cracks
Make sure windows are latched securely
Weatherstrip or rope caulk drafty windows
Install plastic sheeting on windows
Install sweeps or weatherstripping on doors
Install gaskets on wall outlets and light switches
Use lower-wattage light close to the task rather than overhead lights
Vampire Energy
Did you know that many of your household appliances use energy when they are not even on?
Summary of Useful Household Tips
Use LED bulbs where possible
Unplug devices not in use
If doing laundry, use a full load and a lower heat setting, if possible
Keep your water heater at 120°F
Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter, and higher in the summer, if health permits
Use a programmable thermostat if possible
Try and reduce air leakage through cracks around the home
Maintain systems in the home
EVERYONE CAN SAVE ON PEAK SAVINGS DAYS.
The Peak Energy Savings Credit and Energy Wise Rewards™ programs are two ways to save on your monthly bill this summer.
Here's how they work.
The Peak Energy Savings Credit
is a hands-on way for customers to
save money and energy on
Peak Savings Days.
No enrollment necessary
Reduce your energy use during specified hours – small
changes can make a difference on your budget
Earn credits - On average, customers get a $5 credit on
each Peak Savings Day
Energy Wise Rewards™ is an
automatic way for customers with
central AC or a heat pump to save
money and energy on
Peak Savings Days.*
Sign up and get a web-programmable thermostat or
outdoor switch installed at no charge
We’ll cycle participants central AC or heat pump off and
on automatically
Maryland customers will receive guaranteed credits of up to $160 their first year. Delaware customers will receive a one-time Installation Credit of up to $80 off their bill.