As the new school year begins, members across our cooperative are bustling with excitement and preparing for a new routine. It’s also the perfect time to consider making smart changes to your energy habits to lower your bill.
Here are a few A+ things you can do to help lower your energy bill this school year and beyond!
Sign Up to Save
Joining our smart energy programs makes it easier to save money on your electricity costs. Options like our time-of-day rates, load management and smart thermostat savings program are designed to help you optimize energy use and reduce costs while staying comfortable in your home. You can also join Beat the Peak to receive convenient reminders about conserving energy during peak times.
To learn more about each of these programs and how to sign up, please visit pemc.coop/smart-energy.
Upgrade to ENERGY STAR® Appliances
If your appliances are 15-20 years old, consider upgrading to ENERGY STAR appliances, which meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. Whether you choose a new refrigerator or washing machine, these appliances use less energy than other models, helping you save money with every use. Beyond that, many ENERGY STAR appliances come with rebates or tax credits, helping to extend the savings.
Visit energy.gov to learn more about available incentives.
Make Changes Around Your Home
Making small energy-efficient changes around your home can lead to significant savings on your energy bill. Here are some things to do this fall:
• Seal gaps: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent drafts.
• Use self-timer outlets: Install self- timer outlets to turn off electronics automatically when not in use.
• Opt for LED lighting: Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy- efficient LED lights.
• Cook dinner outside: Take advantage of these beautiful autumn nights by making dinner outside on the grill
instead of using the oven.
Consider taking these energy-saving steps as your homework for this school year; you’ll enjoy lower bills before you know it.