BALTIMORE (Oct.18, 2016) – It may be the beginning of the fall season, but Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) says now is the best time for customers to take the necessary steps to save energy and money this winter. By following a few simple tips and making a few easy energy efficiency improvements, customers could save 20 percent or more on their winter heating bills.　

• Keep it sealed.　A drafty house lets warm air escape and is much more costly to keep warm – especially during cooler weather. Use caulking　around doors, windows and any openings for utility services. Locks on your windows can make them tighter and more resistant to drafts.　Keep your fireplace damper closed when the fireplace is not in use.

 

• Upgrade your insulation.　Insulating your home can significantly reduce your heating costs, while increasing the comfort of your home. Reducing air leaks – in floors, walls, ceilings, ducts, fireplaces, doors, windows and vents, and around plumbing – could cut　10 percent　from an average household's monthly energy bill.　

 

• Check ducts for air leaks.　Look for joints that should be connected but have separated. Leaky ductwork can increase your utility bill significantly.

 

• Warm up your system.　Service your heating system at the beginning of each heating season. A well-maintained system will last longer, operate more efficiently and save you money.

 

• Manage your thermostat.　Keep thermostats set at a constant, comfortable level. You can save about　2 percent　on your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat.

 

• Be prepared for cooler weather.　　Remove screens and air conditioners from windows and install storm windows.

 

• Shorter days and longer lights. Don’t forget to　adjust outdoor　lighting timers as the nights grow longer.　Take the time to replace older incandescent bulbs with BGE discounted energy efficient LED and CFL bulbs.

 

Looking for customized solutions to help you save energy and money? BGE offers rebates for these and other home efficiency improvements through the BGE Smart Energy Savers Program®. 　　

The BGE Smart Energy Savers Program is a suite of programs that enable customers to control energy use, leading to more efficient use of electricity and lowering energy bills. The programs have provided $413 million in rebates to BGE customers and have also helped 1.7 million residential and business participants save more than 2.5 million MWh of electricity. Collectively, the programs help contain the cost of energy and improve reliability by reducing peak demand and slowing the growth in energy consumption. Energy-saving solutions are available to renters, homeowners, large and small business customers, nonprofits and institutional customers, and more information can be found at BGESmartEnergy.com. These programs support the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act.

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BGE, founded in 1816 as the nation’s first gas utility, is Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility. Headquartered in Baltimore, BGE delivers power to more than 1.25 million electric customers and more than 650,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. The company’s approximately 3,200 employees are committed to the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas and electricity, as well as enhanced energy management, conservation, environmental stewardship and community assistance. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, YouTube　 and Flickr.