Energy Savings Tips

Energy Tips House

Here are some ways to save energy and money throughout your home, both year-round and on Energy Savings Days. For additional tips, log into your account and visit BGE.com/tips.

Click or tap on the to learn more about improvements that can save you energy and money year-round.

Click or tap on the for tips to save $1.25/kWh by reducing your electricity usage on Energy Savings Days, which are typically scheduled from 1 pm – 7 pm on hot summer days.

Year-round energy savings tips Energy saving days tips

Attic and Roof

Average Energy Savings

up to $740/year

up to $375/year

Total savings up to $1,115/year

+$1.25/kWh saved on Energy Savings Days

Solar Panels

Install solar panels to produce some or all your home’s electricity.

Whole-House Fan

A whole-house fan can keep you comfortable in the summer for about 20% of the cost of central A/C.

Summary
Solar Panels
Whole house fan

Home Office

Average Energy Savings

up to $1.25/kWh

up to $97/year

up to $135/year

up to $84/year

Total savings up to $316/year

+$1.25/kWh saved on Energy Savings Days

Ceiling Fan Tip

Circulate air with a fan instead of an air conditioner on Energy Savings Days.

A/C Unit Tip

During the summer, cooling typically uses the most energy in your home. If you have window A/C units, consider turning them off during Energy Savings Days for added savings, if health permits.

Power Strip Tips

Use a power strip to easily turn off electronics from 1 pm – 7 pm during Energy Savings Days to help you save.
If you’ll be away from home during an Energy Savings Day, use a timer to turn off lights and devices from 1 pm – 7 pm to maximize your savings.

Combo Machine Tips

Inkjet printers use less energy than laser printers.
Multifunctional devices which combine printers, copiers and scanners are best for small offices. They use less energy, especially when inactive.

Summary
Ceiling Fan
A/C Unit
Power Strip
Combo Machine

Kitchen

Average Energy Savings

up to $15/year

up to $20/year

$1.25/kWh

Total savings up to $35/year

+$1.25/kWh saved on Energy Savings Days

Fridge Tip

Use an appliance thermometer to make sure your refrigerator’s temperature measures between 35°F and 38°F and your freezer’s temperature measures between 0°F and 5°F.

Oven Tip

Delay the use of heat-producing appliances, like your oven, until after 7 pm on Energy Savings Days

Dishwasher Tip

Delay the use of your dishwasher until after the Energy Savings Day has ended.

Summary
Fridge
Oven
Dishwasher

Living Room

Average Energy Savings

up to $10/year

up to $85/year

up to $165/year

up to $1.25/kWh

up to $55/year

up to $30/year

Total savings up to $315/year

+$1.25/kWh saved on Energy Savings Days

Lights Tip

Insulating light switches and outlets can reduce drafts and keep your home comfortable.

Outlet Tip

Did you know electronics continue to draw power even when in sleep mode or turned off? Unplug electronics when they are not in use.

Thermostat Tip

A programmable thermostat helps you control energy use when not at home. To keep your home comfortable, pre-cool your home by lowering the thermostat 3-4° before 1 pm and then raise it 3-4° above average from 1 pm – 7 pm during Energy Savings Days. Set it even higher if health permits.

Smart device Tip

Control your TV, lights and connected Wi-Fi thermostat with smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home and schedule everything to be off from 1 pm – 7 pm during Energy Savings Days.

Television Tips

LED and LCD TVs are more efficient than standard and Plasma TVs.
Turn off your television and other electronics during Energy Savings Days for added savings.

Dimming Bulb Tip

Use dimmable lights where possible. Being able to dim the lights in your home can save energy.

Summary
Lights
Outlet
Thermostat
Smart device
Television
Dimming Bulb

Home Exterior

Average Energy Savings

up to $165/year

up to $120/year

up to $105/year

$1.25/kWh

up to $130/year

Total savings up to $520/year

+$1.25/kWh saved on Energy Savings Days

Insulation Tips

Insulation can be the single most effective way to save energy. When looking to purchase new insulation, look for insulation with a high “R-value”.
You can receive up to $2,000 of insulation improvements for your home after signing up for a $100 Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® audit.

Windows Tips

Make your windows more efficient by caulking or weather stripping them. Consider having a trained professional replace old windows.
Close blinds on the sunny side of your home during Energy Savings Days to prevent extra heat from entering your home.

Shade tree Tip

Well-placed shade trees can reduce your cooling needs by up to 30% by blocking the sun’s heat from entering your home.

Electric Vehicle Tips

Postpone charging of electric vehicles until after 7 pm on Energy Savings Days.
Charge your electric vehicle with an ENERGY STAR® certified charger. ENERGY STAR® certified charging stations use up to 40% less energy than those that are not certified when charging.
Choose between an electric vehicle or time-of-use rate plan with BGE, which can save you money by charging your EV during off-peak or nighttime hours. Visit BGE.com/ElectricVehicles for information about alternate rate plans.

Air Conditioner Tip

If replacing your air conditioner, look to purchase one with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of at least 15.

Summary
Insulation
Windows
Shade tree
Electric Vehicle
Air Conditioner

Basement

Average Energy Savings

up to $20/year

up to $30/year

up to $690/year

up to $865/year

Total savings up to $1,635/year

+$1.25/kWh saved on Energy Savings Days

Washer Tips

ENERGY STAR® washers use up to 20% less energy and 35% less water.
BGE offers rebates of $75 and $100 on ENERGY STAR® washing machines.
Delay the use of your washer and dryer until after 7 pm on Energy Savings Days.

Dryer Tips

ENERGY STAR® certified dryers can use up to 20% less energy.
When purchasing a new dryer, look for these features: moisture sensors, multiple drying temperatures and times.
Delay the use of your washer and dryer until after 7 pm on Energy Savings Days.

Water Heater Tip

Setting your water heater to the “low” setting or 120° can result in up to a 10% savings.

Dehumidifier Tip

Turn off your dehumidifier from 1 pm – 7 pm during Energy Savings Days for added savings.

Geothermal Pump Tip

Geothermal pumps use the earth’s temperature to warm and cool your home and use much less energy than the traditional heating and cooling systems.

Summary
Washer
Dryer
Water Heater
Dehumidifier
Geothermal Pump

Sign up for BGE’s PeakRewards℠ program and receive up to $250 in bill credits during your first year of participation! To learn more, visit BGEsavings.com.

Content Editor

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. Click here to learn more about EmPOWER Maryland.