Climate Smart: Energy
Back to Climate Smart Home
Monitor your thermostat
- What to do: In the winter, set your thermostat to 68°F, and set it lower when asleep or away from home. In the summer, set your thermostat to 78°F when you are home and need cooling. Get more tips at MontgomeryEnergyConnection.org
- Why? About half of your energy bill goes to heating and cooling your home. You can reduce your carbon pollution and save up to 10% a year simply by adjusting your thermostat 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day.
- Bonus Tip: INSTALL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT: A properly used programmable thermostat can save up to $150 a year in energy costs.
Switch to LEDs
- What to do: Exchange your old incandescent or CFL bulbs for LEDs at a County-sponsored Illumination Station event found on the My Green Montgomery community calendar.
- Why: LEDs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last 10+ years. You could save up to $65 a year in energy costs by replacing your five most frequently used incandescent bulbs with LEDs.
- Bonus Tip: Remember to turn off lights when leaving a room. Turning off just one 60-watt incandescent bulb that would otherwise burn eight hours a day can save you about $15 per year!
Schedule a home energy audit
- What to do: Schedule a Home Energy Audit with your utility company. There are two to choose from:
- Quick Home Energy Check-up. Available to those who pay their own utility bills, regardless of property ownership. Electric utility companies offer this service to their customers at NO ADDITIONAL COST.
- Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Audit: Available to those who own their property and pay their own utilities. Electric utility companies offer this service at a discounted rate of $100.
- Why? A home energy expert will help you identify cost-effective ways to make your home more comfortable while reducing your climate impact.
- Bonus Tip: During the audit you’ll receive energy-saving items like LED light bulbs, a high-efficiency showerhead, or an advanced power strip at no additional cost!
