Well, well, well Valentineās Day isā¦TOMORROW (cue freak out since we havenāt bought our honey a present yet š¬!) No need to fret, this newsletter is making its way into your inbox at exactly the right time.
We know what your Valentine wants (hint: rhymes with honey). They want to keep their money in their pockets, pocketbooks, and bank accounts. And we know how to do that! We know, the temperatures have been FRIGID š„¶āļøāļøbut you can still warm up with these helpful hints this month. Plus keeping your home at 68 degrees not only keeps costs low but increase the need to cuddle š¤.
For their utility bills to be lower Ā
If your Valentine keeps telling you to āturn off the lightsā when you leave the room or arguing with you about the temperature on the thermostat, youāre not alone. The last few years have seen substantial increases in monthly energy bills, but the Maryland Office of Peopleās Counsel (OPC) has put together these amazing fact sheets/pages to help you understand what is going on with those high energy bills, click the link to find out what is happening with your utility company.
Oh and not to put a damper on things BUT, data centers could impact your utility bill and OPC is engaged at the state and federal levels to protect you from bearing these costs. Read the latest report from OPC on data centers and how that impacts your bill.
A gift that costs nothing BUT gives you credit for being thoughtful
We know, we know ā there is no such thing as free and that is still the truth BUT there is something almost as good as free and that is āat no additional cost.ā When you sign up for a Quick Home Energy Checkup, a contractor will come to your home to will evaluate your homeās energy usage and identify areas for improvement. Whether you live in an apartment, townhouse, or single family home ā as long as you pay your utility bill, you qualify. After your checkup, you will receive energy-saving products up to $250 in value, a personalized report with tips on increasing your homeās energy efficiency, and recommendations to reduce your energy use and keep more money in your wallet. If āthat aināt love then I donāt know what love is.ā
No seriously, a gift that costs them nothing BUT gives them a comfortable, cozy home
They are in luck (and so are you) because Sustain Our Future Foundation secured a grant from the MarylandĀ EnergyĀ Administration to provideĀ freeĀ new electric HVAC systems and insulationĀ upgrades to income qualifying homeowners and that could be you!
Here is what they are looking for:
- Homes must be currently using oil, propane, or natural gas for heating
- Residents in Baltimore City or Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, Anne Arundel, Prince Georgeās, Charles, or St. Maryās Counties
- Income qualifying households (up to 85% of area median income per state guidelines- see table).
If this is you or your Valentine, please email them today communities@sustainourfuture.org and/or visit sustainourfuture.org for more information.
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If you got a $100 bill in your pocket...
Okay, we see you š! Go ahead and splurge ā if you (or your honey) own your home, you canĀ schedule a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Audit. For just $100, this comprehensive look at your home will provide you with a diagnostic report AND energy saving measures like high efficiency showerheads and LED bulbs. Stop reading right now and contact your utility supplier to schedule this immediately. Ā
If you have at least $1000 (or more) to spend...
The County has a program to help you out! Electrify MC was created to help residents transition from fossil fuels (oil, gas, and propane) in their homes. If you would like to reduce your monthly utility bills and are concerned about climate and health, itās time to start planning an all-electric home update. All you have to do is contact the Electrify MC Help Desk by phone at 301-830-5767 or email them at electrifymc@elysianenergy.com to start the process. Thatās it. Stop reading right now and make the phone call or send an email today, we promise your honey will be so happy you did.
If you could save 6% on a new appliance...
Every Presidentsā Day Weekend (thatās this weekend), the state of Maryland hosts something called āShop Maryland Energy Weekend.ā This is a three-day tax holiday designed to provide financial relief to Maryland families while promoting energy efficiency. Get ready because from Valentineās Day through Monday, February 16th, the state will waive its 6% sales tax on qualifying Energy Star-certified appliances. The tax exemption applies to both new and used products, whether purchased in-person at local retailers or through online platforms. By waiving the sales tax, state officials aim to help residents offset rising household costs and reduce long-term utility expenses. Make a date with your honey to go to an appliance store this weekend.Ā
We got you coveredā¦lighting is one of the best ways to make your space more romantic. Stop by one of our Illumination Station events OR better yet, swing by one of our FeBREWary Bulb Crawl locations to indulge in a little liquid libation and swap out those old incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs for energy efficient LEDs. It will be sure to get your Valentine in the mood.
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Real Simple has figured out the best temperature for truly restful sleep. Temperature for sleep recommendations can vary slightly, but the general rule is that 65 degrees Fahrenheit is the perfect place to set your thermostat forĀ optimal sleep. Donāt start a fight this Valentineās Day, just read the article.
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If you do cook your Valentine dinner, be sure they belch as a compliment to the chef. But not only that, make sure youāre āburping your home.ā The act of LĆ¼ftenĀ has become quite popular, all you need to do is throw open the windows for a little bit every day and āburpā your home, sweeping out stale air and inviting fresh air inside.
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Images in this newsletter came from the following resources.
Thank you for sharing your art and images with the world, we appreciate it.Ā
- Header Image: Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/pexels-2286921/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1866448">Pexels</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1866448">Pixabay</a>
- Valentine Wants Image: Giphy
- Money Honey Image: Giphy
- Mood Image: Giphy
- Sheet Image: By Yan Krukau
- Excuse You Image: ByĀ g3gg0Ā fromĀ Pixabay
Side note, this newsletter is written by real humans and we may make mistakes. If you find a šmistake, misspelling, or a link š that doesn't work please let us know.
Email energy@montgomerycountymd.gov. We would like to thank you by sending you something in the mail to help you lower your energy bills.Ā
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