Reduce Your Use to Reduce Your Energy Bill
Energy efficiency means using less energy to achieve the same results. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to lower energy bills, improve the environment, and address climate change. Learn about small actions that you can take in your own home that can add up to big energy savings!
8 Easy & FREE Ways to Save Energy (and Money!) Today
You don’t need big changes to see significant energy savings. Here are 8 no-cost ways to reduce your energy use today!
Control Window Coverings: Use blackout curtains or shades to block sunlight and cool rooms in summer; open them in winter for free heating. (Windows account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy!)
Adjust Your Thermostat: Lower it a few degrees (below normal heat setting) in winter and raise it a few degrees (above normal cooling setting) in summer to cut heating and cooling costs.
Switch Off Lights: Make it a habit to turn off lights whenever you leave a room.
Lower Water Heater Temperature: Reduce unnecessary energy use by setting your water heater to a lower, comfortable setting.
Shorten Showers: Even a few minutes less in the shower saves significant water and energy.
Wash Laundry Cold: Using cool water for laundry reduces the energy needed for heating.
Optimize Drying: Use shorter dryer cycles or hang clothes to dry whenever possible.
Unplug Electronics: Turn off and unplug devices when not in use to eliminate “phantom” energy drain.
Medium-Effort Ways to Save Energy
Conduct a Home Energy Audit: Discover where your home wastes energy and how to fix it with a professional home energy audit (often free or discounted through utilities) or you can do a basic energy audit yourself! Professional auditors check your home insulation, windows, heating and cooling systems, and provide money-saving recommendations. The U.S. Department of Energy offers a virtual Energy-Efficient House Tour for simple DIY energy-saving tips.
Weatherize Your Home: Seal gaps around doors and windows to improve insulation and to maintain a comfortable temperature year-round. Home weatherization cansignificantly reduce heating and cooling costs. Not sure where to start? Learn more about financial assistanceand DIY tips.
More Involved Ways to Save Energy: Community & Rooftop Solar Options
Community Solar: Subscribe to a local solar project and receive credits on your energy bill for the extra power generated by the solar project. Learn more about community solar or sign up online for current Maryland projects.
Rooftop Solar: Consider installing solar panels on your property. Use online calculators to estimate potential savings and research local incentives.
Financing Your Solar Project: Explore MCEC’s financing options to make solar more affordable:
- Solar for All: Apply for assistance to help cover upfront installation cost.
- Clean Energy Advantage Loan Program: Access loans with 0% financing for the first 24 months and reduced interest rates for home energy improvements, including solar.