At Home

• If you own a Levitt home, it is not too energy efficient. Follow the 6 tips in the image to the right to save about $300/yr.

• Schedule a BGE Home Energy Check-up.

• 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%.

• Use compact fluorescent lightbulbs. While they are slightly more expensive up front, ($4 -$6 each) they last about 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” rating.

• Look for energy drains in your home. Insulate your attic and water heater, caulk drafty windows, and close off unused rooms.

• Appliances and computers draw power even when they are off but plugged in. Unplug the small kitchen appliances, laundry machines, the iron and computers when not in use.

• 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.