Energy Target Tips

Summer Tips

= High impact!

Control temperature and comfort
Check thermostat settings and paying attention to how much the A/C is used
Set thermostat schedules based on being home, away, and sleeping
Close curtains and blinds during the hottest times of the day – especially for windows which receive direct sunlight
Grill outside more often instead of using the oven to reduce indoor temperatures
Raise the temperature on the A/C and turn on ceiling fans while in the house

Make simple changes to improve equipment performance
Change HVAC air filters regularly, approximately every 3 months or as recommended for the specific HVAC system
Ensure dishwasher and laundry loads are full before turning them on
Keep all air vents open to ensure the best performance of the HVAC system
Schedule the pool pump to turn off at night
Turn off the drying cycle on the dishwasher settings or manually stopping the dishwasher after the rinse cycle and opening the door to let dishes air dry.
Hang clothes outside to dry instead of using the clothes dryer

Combat energy vampires
Unplug appliances and TVs when not in use or plug them into a smart power strip
Install outdoor solar lights which turn on/off using a sensor
Set computers or laptops to “sleep” or “hibernate” after 10 minutes of inactivity
Turn off the home office computer at the end of the workday
Turn off ceiling fans when leaving the room

Invest in energy-efficient upgrades
Upgrade your HVAC system to more energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment
Replace your incandescent and halogen light bulbs with LEDs
Install outdoor solar lights which turn on/off using a sensor
Take advantage of SMECO rebates to buy energy-efficient products for the home

This past winter, a group of SMECO households were chosen to participate in the My Energy Target Challenge. Below are some tips from the participants on how they saved energy throughout the challenge.

Winter Tips
Refresh caulking around windows and doors every season.
Lower smart thermostat at bedtime.
Unplug small appliances such as toasters or coffee pots.
Air-dry clothes.
Install heavy curtains to help keep the heat in highly occupied rooms.
Remind family that we were working towards our energy reduction goal.
Add more attic insulation.
Use cold water to wash clothes.
Install lighting timers to turn off lamps at regularly scheduled times.
Eliminate extra refrigerator from the garage.
Replace all lights with LEDs, installed a smart thermostat, and fixed leaky drafts.
Hang-dry thick clothing fabric like sweaters and jeans to avoid the extra time needed in the dryer.
Power down desktop at night.
Install solar-powered lights on the outside of garage and barn
Use an air fryer and other smaller appliances rather than frequently cooking with the oven
Keep the garage door closed while home heating was circulating
Water heating accounts for about 20% of your home’s energy use, and the average household spends $400-$600 a year on water heating. To avoid wasting energy, keep the temperature of the water heater on the warm setting to 120°F.
Set your computer or laptop to “sleep” or “hibernate” after 10 minutes of inactivity.
Turn off your screen saver and opt for a “sleep” or “hibernate” mode after 5-10 minutes of inactivity. Screen savers are still using energy while you step away from your computer.
Use caulking and weatherstripping to seal places where cold drafts enter your home, including seals around moving fixtures, like doors and windows, and cracks in stationary fixtures, like walls.
If using the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly–approximately 1 inch–and close doors leading into the room. Lower the thermostat setting to between 50° and 55°F.
Close window shades at night and open the shades during the day to let in light and warmth. Install insulating, tight-fitting window shades that can be raised or lowered.
Weatherstripping around windows can prevent cold air drafts from entering your home.

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. Learn more about EmPOWER and how you can participate.