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We are giving you a reason to like 6/7 again because when you add them together you get 13!!Â
It is a new year, and our goal is to debunk superstitions and to become your go-to place for up-to-date, reliable information on how to become more energy-aware and take action.
You may have heard the expression, “Beware the Ides of March,” but we are taking that expression and turning it on its head. From now on, we want you to “Beware of the 13th of the month.” Because that is when we will be sharing information on how to lower your utility bills all while keeping your hard-earned money in your pockets and wallets.
So, MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the 13th of every month – regardless of the day, this newsletter will be delivered to your inbox with everything you need to know about using less energy in your home.Â
To start the year off, we want to provide you with 13 things to help you lower your utility bills this month (not in order of actual cost savings but they are in alphabetical order, you're welcome).
1. Buy ENERGY STAR® Appliances: Replace old appliances with ones featuring the ENERGY STAR® label, the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR certification includes appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators as well as electronics such as TVs, laptops and printers. Be sure to mark your calendar for Maryland Energy Tax Free Weekend, every President’s Day in February, for additional saving.Â
2. Catch your refrigerator: Remember the joke “is your refrigerator running?” Of course it is, it is the one appliance that should never be turned off but it is important to make sure it is running as efficiently as possible. Your refrigerator's ideal temperature is between 35° and 38°F, while your freezer should be at or below 0°F. You may not know the temperature because your refrigerator's temperature gauge may not be accurate. This could lead to your fridge running too hot or too cold. We encourage you to use an independent refrigerator thermometer to test the temperature and adjust the settings as needed. If you would like a thermometer at no cost, email FRIDGE THERMOMETER to energy@montgomerycountymd.gov, be sure to include your name and mailing address and we will get one out to you shortly.
3. Cook in your toaster oven: If you’re making smaller meals, toaster ovens use significantly less energy than a conventional electric oven, potentially cutting energy use by a third to a half and they heat up much faster so that means no wasted energy.
4. Check for leaks: Borrow a thermal camera from any Montgomery County Public Library to identify energy loss. Attach the thermal camera to your smartphone to find insulation, heating and water problems around your home. Then you’ll be able to fix any detected issues by installing weather stripping, caulking, insulation and outlet covers. Â
5. Electrify your home: Don’t wait for your heating, cooling systems, water heaters, or kitchen appliances to break down. Make a plan NOW to avoid the stress of emergency replacements and access limited-time financial incentives from the County through the ElectrifyMC program.
6. Flip your ceiling fan switch: To circulate more warm air in the winter make sure to set your fan to rotate clockwise at a slow speed. In the summer, you want to flip it counterclockwise and speed it up. This will push cool air down and create a breeze.
7. Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can automatically regulate your home’s temperature, saving you up to $150 a year in energy costs. These are available through the EmPOWER Maryland program.Â
8. Reduce vampire loads: Devices that are plugged in but not being used can still consume electricity, known as “vampire loads.” Make sure to unplug battery chargers or power adapters when not in use. When you schedule a Quick Home Energy Checkup with your utility supplier, they will provide you with smart powerstrips at no additional cost.Â
9. Schedule regular maintenance: Keep your HVAC system and other major appliances in top shape to use less energy. Regular maintenance ensures they operate efficiently and last longer. You should check your HVAC system seasonally, ideally scheduling professional tune-ups in the spring for your AC and the fall for your furnace. For heat pumps, servicing every six months is recommended as they work year-round
10. Seal the leaks: Use heavy curtains or weatherstripping to keep the heat you’re already paying for from escaping. If you own your home, the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® audit is a great way to find out where leaks are happening in your home – all you have to do is call your utility provider to schedule.
11. Turn off your lights: Remember to turn off lights when leaving the room. A single 60-watt incandescent bulb left on for eight hours a day costs about $15 per year. And the type of lightbulb you use is important, switching to LEDs will help you save energy and money. Leaving an LED on for 8 hours a day for a year costs anywhere from under $1 to around $8 a year, depending heavily on the bulb's wattage and your local electricity rate (cents per kWh).Â
12. Use LED bulbs: Speaking of lightbulbs, did you know that incandescent bulbs are no longer sold in the United States because they are so energy inefficient that they cost people money just by using them and that compact fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and should be treated as a hazardous waste? Most people aren’t aware of those two facts so that is why we host Illumination Station events at libraries throughout the month. Lighting accounts for about 12% of your total energy bill so get out to one of these events and swap out those bulbs.
13. Watch the thermostat: If your health allows, set the thermostat to 68°F during the day and lower it at night. Just remember that for every degree you deviate from the recommendation, you are looking at a potential increase of 3% to your electricity bill.
If you are looking to start off the new year with a new job: Make sure you head over to the Green Jobs page on My Green Montgomery, it is updated weekly with new opportunities in the “green job” arena.
If you are looking for sopmething to do this month: Stop by one of our Illumination Station events. You can swap out your old bulbs and get information on how to lower your energy bills.Â
If you are a BGE customer, please read carefully: As of January 1, 2026, BGE has officially raised its gas and electric distribution rates again. This rate change increases the "delivery" portion of your bill, the cost BGE charges to bring energy to your home. ALSO, effective immediately until February 28, 2026:
- BGE cannot send out new late payment notices.
- BGE cannot try to collect overdue money.
- BGE cannot shut off your power for not paying your bill.
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Images in this newsletter came from the following resources.
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