• Buy a programmable thermostat and use it to keep your home most comfortable during the hours you are at home and awake.
• Try setting the temperature at a few degrees higher (summer) or lower (winter) than you presently do. A change of one degree can mean a savings of up to 3% .
• Turn out the lights when you leave a room. It really can make a difference!
• Use compact fluorescent bulbs. They’re more expensive ($4—$6 each) but last six times longer than incandescent bulbs. Replacing your five most used bulbs with fluorescent bulbs can save about $60 a year.
• Keep appliances, furnaces and air conditioners in good repair. Change filters regularly. When buying new appliances, consider those with the “Energy Star” approval.
• Look for energy drains in your home. Insulate your attic and water heater, caulk drafty windows, and close off unused rooms.
• Small appliances and computers draw power when they’re plugged in. Shut down the computer and printer when not in use. Unplug the toaster, coffee pot, and iron until you need to use them.
• In summer, avoid activities that will generate heat during the hottest part of the day, such as running the dryer or using the oven.
• Explore BGE’s Time of Usage Rate Plan to determine if it would lower your bills.
• Become energy wise. Learn what makes the biggest impact on your usage and explore ways to economize.
  

Home Energy Conservation Resources

American Council For An Energy Efficient Economy
www.aceee.org/consumerguide/chklst.htm

Alliance to Save Energy
www.ase.org

Baltimore Gas & Electric
www.bge.com

Energy Hawk
www.energyhawk.com

Maryland Energy Administration
www.energy.state.md.us

Maryland Public Service Commission
www.psc.state.md.us/psc/info/brochures/loweringEnergyCosts.pdf

US Department of Energy - Consumer Energy Information
www.eere.energy.gov/consumer

Financial Assistance for Home Energy Bills

The Maryland Office of Home Energy programs has a number of programs designed to help people pay their energy bills. The amount of assistance depends on the type of heating fuel, household size, yearly energy usage and income.

Call you local energy assistance office for help in paying your bills - (Prince George's County) - 301-909-6300.