I want to reduce my energy use

The first step to making your home comfortable, whether you live in an apartment, a condo, a townhouse, or a single family home, is to take advantage of the EmPOWER Maryland Programs.

These programs are available to residents who receive a monthly utility bill.

If your utilities are included in your rent, this program is not available to you, but there are other things you can do in Step 2.

1. Quick Home Energy Checkup (QHEC)
   
   
   • This program is at NO ADDITIONAL COST to homeowners or tenants
   • The appointment takes about 45-60 minutes to complete
   • A contractor will provide you with energy efficient products such as: LED light bulbs, high efficiency showerheads, advanced powerstrips, and more
   • Want to schedule an appointment?
     • BGE customers appointment scheduler
     • Pepco customers can schedule an in-person or virtual appointment online with Pepco by using pepco.com/QuickHome.
     • Potomac Edison customers appointment scheduler or check out their Home Energy Analyzer to gain a better understanding of your household energy use and identify ways to improve your efficiency.
2. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Audit
   • The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program costs $100 (a $400 value which is paid by the EmPOWER Maryland Program)
   • The appointment takes about 2-3 hours to complete
   • A contractor will provide you with energy efficiency products such as: LED bulbs, efficient-flow showerheads, smart strips, and more
   • Additionally, you will receive a detailed report with recommended improvements, rebates, and the potential energy savings you could receive.
3. Free Online Home Energy Profile from Washington Gas
   The first step to saving energy is finding out what is using energy in your home. Complete the free, online Home Energy Profile from Washington Gas for personalized recommendations on how to save money by reducing your energy usage. It only takes a few minutes to discover your cost savings potential. Based on your Home Energy Profile results you may be eligible for a free Home Energy Conservation Kit from Washington Gas.**Depending on your answers to the survey, as well as kit availability, you may qualify for a free energy conservation kit. 1 kit per household. Must be a Washington Gas customer that has not participated in QHEC, HPwES, or HEIP programs in the last 5 years, or received a Home Energy Conservation Kit from Washington Gas in the last 3 years to qualify.

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. 

The Department of Environmental Protection in Montgomery County, Maryland, has selected Elysian Energy as its contractor for a residential electrification pilot beginning June 1, 2023. The pilot project is intended to help residents transition from fossil fuels (oil, gas, and propane) in their homes and to supplement the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program that’s part of the statewide EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency program.

Electrify MC will provide residents with a one-stop shop option to help them electrify their homes. Elysian Energy will provide outreach and technical support about this project and staff the Help Desk, perform Home Performance with ENERGY STAR audits, provide recommendations for electrification add-ons, and do the direct installations using the financial incentives available through Electrify MC.

Want to receive more information? SIGN THE PLEDGE: https://bit.ly/ElectrifyMC and Elysian Energy will reach out to you directly.

Now that you know what to do, it’s time to learn how to pay for these energy efficiency upgrades.

If you are looking for grants or financing options, check out these programs:

REBATES

Go to Program Finder to discover which EmPOWER Maryland Program rebates will work for you.

FINANCING

• The Montgomery County Green Bank is a publicly-chartered nonprofit corporation dedicated to accelerating affordable energy efficiency and clean energy investment in Montgomery County, MD.
  • Clean Energy Advantage Loan: Offers Maryland residents a convenient and affordable financing option for residential energy improvements like air leakage reduction, insulation, duct sealing, high efficiency electric or gas heating, cooling or hot water, available funds between $3,000 and $25,000
  • Renewable Energy Financing: A financing program that supports installation of solar panels on residential properties. The property must be located in Montgomery County, Maryland. The property needs have received a proposal from a participating solar installer, fill out the eligibility form online, and complete an application with the participating lender. Joining the lending partner, Clean Energy Credit Union, is required. Both short and long-term loans are available based on borrower’s credit and other factors. Application fees can range from $25 to $50 and are rolled into the loan.
  • Access Solar: Supports installation of solar panels on residential properties of owners with an annual income is $97,500 or less. The property must be located in Montgomery County, Maryland. Homeowners have the option to either own or rent a solar system.
• The BeSMART Home Loan Program offers innovative financing to improve home energy efficiency through replacement and upgrading of appliances, heating, cooling and ventilation systems and whole house envelope improvements across the state. Homeowners may choose their weatherization and energy efficiency professionals from a list of eligible providers whose qualifications have been reviewed by The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. BeSMART Home Loan Brochure
• The Net Zero Loan Program  is available for new construction or deep energy retrofits of an existing homes. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development supports the construction of Net Zero homes throughout Maryland. NetZero home features ​may include advanced energy efficient design and technology, renewable energy resources, and a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rating of 50 or lower. Net Zero Loan Program Brochure

GRANTS

• Residential Clean Energy Grant Program, operated by the Maryland Energy Administration, the  provides grants for a variety of clean energy installations for homeowners, including solar photovoltaic systems, solar water heating systems, and geothermal heating and cooling system. Note that funds often run out quickly, so make sure you reach out to the Maryland Energy Administration for updated information.

TAX CREDITS

• Montgomery County Energy Efficiency Tax Credit is a $250 in tax credits provided by the Department of Finance available for homeowners for energy efficiency improvements such as air-sealing and insulation, heating and cooling equipment, windows, and doors. The credit can be taken once per year for purchases made during that fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). The total amount available annually in the County is $100,000, so apply HERE early. Section 2 of the application applies to the Energy Conservation Devices
  • You can also fill out the application online NOW!!
  • If you have questions about this tax credit opportunity, please email Finance.propertytaxcredits@montgomerycountymd.gov
• Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credits are available to homeowners for energy efficient upgrades to your home. Please note that not all ENERGY STAR®  certified products qualify for a tax credit. Visit  EPA’s ENERGY STAR®  website to learn about the current Federal tax credits for consumer energy efficiency.

In August 2022, a notable piece of legislation was passed and signed into law by President Biden called the Inflation Reduction Act. In what is considered the largest investment in clean energy and climate action in American history, the Inflation Reduction Act authorizes roughly $369 billion in spending on energy and climate change.

The Inflation Reduction Act includes funding for multiple tax incentives and rebates that are available to both low-to-moderate income (LMI) and non-LMI households. The White House has created a website to explain the program. 

The Office of People’s Counsel works to improve utility performance and to protect Maryland residential utility customers from unfair sales practices and unreasonable rates for services such as electricity and natural gas, in a manner consistent with the State’s environmental and greenhouse gas reduction goals. They have created an Inflation Reduction Act page to help residents understand what is available to them through this new Act.

What’s In It For Me? this article explains what you can do right now.

IRA Savings Calculator by Rewiring America will help you find out what projects you can get started on right now. 

What is a Utility Marketplace?

The utility marketplace is run by your utility supplier and provides you energy efficient products that help build a smart, connected, comfortable home.

You will have to log in using your Account Number and then these prices are comparable to other online marketplaces.

BGE Marketplace

Pepco Marketplace

Potomac Edison Marketplace

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.