Energy Conservation Tips
New energy-efficient equipment, products and devices are becoming available at a fast pace. Modern heating and cooling systems, electronic devices, lighting fixtures and vehicles are more energy-efficient than ever before and cost less to operate. When it is time to replace worn-out equipment, it usually makes economic sense to replace it with more energy-efficient models because their extra cost can be recovered through energy savings in a relatively-short time. Savings vary but they can be considerable — PECO Energy estimates that up to 25% or more on every energy bill can be saved by using more energy-efficient equipment.
Saving money is just one of the advantages of making energy improvements. Other benefits include improving the comfort of your home, protecting the environment, reducing dependence on foreign oil, and eliminating health and safety hazards such as carbon monoxide in the home.
However, we do not always need to spend a lot of money to save a lot of money; there are a number of low-cost or no-cost actions that can result in reduced energy costs:
- Behavioral changes. It costs nothing to turn off lights in unused rooms or to "trip-chain" errands (i.e., combine all errands into one vehicle trip). Be aware of the "phantom load" of computers, gaming systems, stereos, TVs, cell phones, cameras and other chargers that draw electricity even when turned off. Unplug them when not in use, or plug them all into a power strip and deactivate the strip when not using them. Learn more.
- Exploit the benefits of technology. Programmable thermostats can reduce energy usage if they are used properly. Some "smart" thermostats even learn your routine and can adjust your home's heating and cooling schedule accordingly. Learn more.
- Energy audits. PECO estimates that energy improvements such as installing efficient windows and doors, upgrading heating and cooling systems, and reducing drafts with insulation and caulk can reduce energy use by up to 40 percent. An energy audit of your home or business can help identify such areas where these savings can be achieved. These improvements can also make your home or business a more comfortable, healthy, and cost-effective place to live. After these investments are made, the benefits will continue year after year. An energy analyst can perform a complete energy use assessment and pinpoint ways to save energy and make your home or business a more comfortable and healthy living space. The energy analyst will also estimate how much you can save by making improvements. Learn more.
- Consumer energy tax incentives. Tax-based incentives may be available for geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines for residential use, and solar energy systems. Learn more.
- In addition to tax incentives, some consumers may be eligible for utility rebates. Learn more.
- Winter Heating and Energy Use Comparisons. PECO offers help with understanding how we use energy to heat our homes and how we can save using energy saving tools and calculators. Learn more.