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!
Ready for Bigger Change?
- Install solar panels. Install rooftop solar panels to reduce your home’s reliance on fossil fuels and lower electricity bills. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and helps cut greenhouse gas emissions. It can also increase your home’s value and protect against rising energy costs. To learn how to get started, review the County’s Residential Solar Permit Process and explore financing options.
- Electrify everything. Switching from gas to electric appliances like heat pumps, water heaters, and induction stoves reduces your home’s carbon footprint and improves indoor air quality. Electric appliances are often more efficient, safer, and easier to maintain. If you're ready to make the switch, check out available incentives and rebates.
