Spring is in the air, which means now is the time to prepare for the warmer weather ahead.
With an increase in temperatures comes an increase in energy usage. Pepco is providing energy-saving tips to help customers lower costs and ensure their homes and businesses are energy efficient before temperatures rise:
Check your thermostat. Keep your thermostat temperature higher during the summertime, if health permits. According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on cooling costs by simply turning your thermostat up 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
Have your air conditioning unit serviced and cleaned. Systems should be inspected and maintained by a professional to ensure everything is running smoothly. You should also change the air filter regularly. For cost savings, you can clean your unit yourself with an AC coil cleaner.
Test your home’s energy efficiency with an infrared thermometer. On a warm day, measure the temperature at your air vent with a digital reader. Blowing vents should measure 55-65 degrees. Inside air should measure approximately 20 degrees warmer than what the vent is reading.
Track your usage. Customers can access tools to track and manage energy use through Pepco’s “My Account” feature. Customers can also get notifications if energy usage increases and receive personalized savings tips for their home.
Keep cool air in and hot air out. Use caulking or weather-stripping around drafty windows and doors to help prevent warm air from entering your home.
Keep the hot sun out. Invest in awnings or swap out your current curtains for a blackout option. This provides additional shade and keeps your home cool. If this isn’t in the budget, keeping the current blinds or shades closed during the hottest times of the day will also help reduce cooling costs.
Pepco’s Quick Home Energy Check-Up Program offers homeowners and renters in Maryland a virtual or in-person assessment of their home’s energy use. An energy analyst will perform a walk-through, provide a report with recommendations, and may also install energy-saving products at no cost.
Pepco customers can still take advantage of the enhanced energy assistance programs through the end of March, which include:
No late payment fees for January, February and March 2025.
Longer repayment periods.
Suspending physical disconnections for nonpayment through March 2025.
Waiving deposits for disconnected customers who are seeking to restore service.
Pepco customers are also encouraged to explore resources at pepco.com/BillSupport that can help reduce energy usage and lower monthly bills and provide access to energy assistance programs.
