Energy Savings

BGE ENERGY SAVINGS TIPS

*The Fuel Fund of Maryland is no longer providing Watt Watchers workshops

Most of your warm weather energy expenses are directly related to cooling your home. Schedule regular maintenance to keep your A/C system running at peak efficiency.
Your BGE online account provides the tools you need to track your energy usage in near-real time. Compare energy usage trends, measure results of energy-saving practices, and set alerts to let you know when usage is trending high.
Water heating accounts for about 18% of home energy consumption. Reduce hot water usage by installing faucet aerators and efficient flow showerheads and adjusting your hot water heater to 120°F, or the low setting.
Save about $180 per year in energy costs by using a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your temperature settings to take advantage ofsavings when you're sleeping or not at home.
Adjust your thermostat: every degree above 72° F saves 2-4 percent on cooling costs.
Turn off unnecessary lights and use LEDs, which can save you about $80 in electricity costs over their life time.

Home heating is the single highest energy user. Make sure your heating system is running efficiently by scheduling a service check.
Water heating accounts for about 18% of home energy consumption. Reduce hot water usage by installing faucet aerators and efficient flow showerheads and adjusting your hot water heater to 120°F, or the low setting.
Insulate your water heater and hot water pipes.
Your BGE online account provides the tools you need to track your energy usage in near-real time. Compare energy usage trends, measure results of energy-saving practices, and set alerts to let you know when energy usage is trending high.
Open window curtains during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. Close them at night to keep heat in.
Turn off unnecessary lights and use LEDs, which can save you about $80 in electricity costs over the lifetime of each bulb.
It's simple: set your thermostat to 68◦. For each degree you lower the thermostat, you can save up to 5% on heating costs.

The spare refrigerator or freezer in your basement or garage could be costing you money—nearly $100 a year. Let BGE pick up your old working refrigerator or freezer and pay YOU $50 in addition to the energy savings. Sign up or call 866.898.1901 to schedule a pickup.
Add insulation to the recommended 12-15 inches (R-38) for Maryland.
Ask BGE for a quick-home energy check-up: one of our energy efficiency professionals will come to your home and check the condition of its insulation, heating and air cooling system, lighting, appliances and more to identify simple ways to help you save energy and money.
Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use. Make it easy on yourself by using smart power strips when possible.
Switching to ENERGY STAR® certified lighting can help you save energy and money. And, with instant discounts up to $7 on select ENERGY STAR® certified LED light bulbs you can save even more! Just look at the "reduced price" sticker at a participating retailer and head to the register. Find a retailer.
Double-paned replacement windows, storm windows and storm doors create pockets of air between the inside and outside of your home and help reduce heat transfer.
Clogged and dirty filters can significantly reduce efficiency in your heating and cooling system.
Use mastic or metal-backed foil tape to seal up holes, tears and gaps.