Lower My Bill

If you are responsible for paying your utility bills as a renter, here are the top things you can do to start using less energy:

1. Switch to Energy Efficient Bulbs 
   • Lighting is one of the easiest places to start saving energy.
   • Replacing your five most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with ENERGY STAR® qualified lights can save more than $65 a year in energy costs.
   • Replace your old incandescent or CFL lightbulbs with LEDs at a County sponsored lightbulb exchange event, find out if we have one scheduled by going to our calendar.
     • TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS: Remember to always turn off your lights when leaving a room. Turning off just one 60-watt incandescent bulb that would otherwise burn eight hours a day can save about $15 per year!
2. Monitor your Thermostat
   • You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
   • In the winter, set the thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake and set it lower while you’re asleep or away from home.
   • In the summer, set your thermostat to 78°F only when you are at home and need cooling.
     • INSTALL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT: A properly used programmable thermostat can save up to $150 a year in energy costs.
3. Unplug and Use Power Strips
   • Consumer electronics play an increasingly large role in your home’s energy consumption, accounting for 15 percent of household electricity use.
   • Unplug any battery chargers or power adapters when not in use (like your cell phone charger!)
   • Use a power strip as a central “turn off” point when you are done using equipment.
     • VAMPIRE LOADS: Even when turned off, electronic and IT equipment often use a small amount of electricity, so make sure they don’t suck your energy.

If your utilities are included in your rent payment, contact your landlord or property management company to find out what energy upgrades they can do to your unit.

For more suggestions to keep your home comfortable and to keep money in your pocket, visit My Green Montgomery.

As a homeowner, you can take advantage of all the recommendations for renters and MORE.

Here are some additional actions you can take as a homeowner to start using less energy in your home:

1.  Buy ENERGY STAR®  Appliances
   • ENERGY STAR® is a program of the Environmental Protection Agency that labels appliances and products as high-efficiency. 
   • The ENERGY STAR®  rating doesn’t just apply to dishwashers and refrigerators – it applies to other appliances including TVs, laptops, printers and cable boxes.
   • Purchase your appliances in February during ENERGY STAR® Tax Free Weekend.
2. Check for Leaks in Your Home
   • Borrow a Thermal Camera from the library. Thermal imaging can see what your eyes cannot.
   • Plug all the holes. Weather stripping, caulk, insulation and outlet covers can help keep your homes energy efficiency high and protect you from the elements.
   • Install insulation in your attic and crawl spaces. Insulation stops the warmth created by your furnace from escaping through your walls to the outside and it makes the surfaces on both sides of a wall similar temperatures. This prevents condensation and mold from growing on the colder surface of the wall where the moisture condenses.
3. Get Your Hands Dirty
   • Caulking windows, weather-stripping doors, and closing your chimney flue when it’s not being used stops heated or cooled air from escaping your home.
   • Did you know that dirty air filters are the leading cause of HVAC system failure? Clean your coil, ducts, and filters regularly.
   • You can find more DIY (do-it-yourself) recommendations at My Green Montgomery. 

Home Energy Hacks

Along with the Office of Broadband Programs, we have created Home Energy Hacks which are short, informative videos that provide residents with quick and easy tips to lower energy use in their homes. You can see all videos on the Home Energy Hack YouTube page.

Projects and Incentives

Each project has the potential to save you money on your utility bills, and several of them can be accomplished today or by phone. You can find ways to lower your costs on appliances, home comfort, lighting and renewable energy. To find out more tips, go to My Green Montgomery.