CONTROL YOUR ELECTRIC BILL. A self-help guide to managing your electric bill.

CONTROL YOUR ELECTRIC BILL A self-help guide to managing your electric bill.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Heating 4 Cooling 7 Water heating 10 Appliances 12 Lighting 16 Wells/Pumps 17 Electronics 18 Phantom load 19 Renewable energy 20 Manage your energy checklist 24 Manage your energy use and save Electricity. For some it is a convenience, a way to make their lives easier, while others cannot imagine life without it. Either way, most people do not think about it until they receive a high bill from their electric utility or experience a power outage. This booklet and SMECO s website (smeco.coop/save) will help you to manage your electricity usage. You have the power to lower your electric bills, and this booklet will help you do it. Do you know there are hidden costs to some of your appliances? which appliances in your home use the most energy? how energy use affects your bill? what phantom load is? If you want to save money on your electric bill, it is important to learn how to use electricity wisely.

How does my electricity get to my home? While electricity is the most common form of manmade energy, it has to be made from a primary source of energy first. SMECO is a distributor of electricity, buying electricity from primary sources and delivering it to our members. The diagram at right shows how electricity gets to your home. A power outage can occur anywhere along the path. SMECO makes every reasonable effort to provide continuous, uninterrupted service to our members; but some occurrences are beyond our control. Storms, accidents, and animals are some reasons for power outages. When the power does go out, we make repairs that will restore the most customers first, moving down the line until everyone has power. The last stop for electricity to your home is the meter. SMECO is regulated by the Public Service Commission, which issues the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) that explains how utilities bill customers, by using a meter. The meter, like the odometer on your car, keeps track of how much electricity you use. SMECO obtains meter readings in order to generate your monthly bill. Visit smeco.coop/account/about-your-meter for directions on how to read the meter. 3

ENERGY USE BREAKDOWN Appliances 4 Water heating Lighting Heating and cooling The first step to managing your electricity is to understand where it is being used. The three top energy consumers in the home are: #1 Heating and cooling #2 Water heating #3 Combined appliances HEATING In the Southern Maryland area, the largest energy user in the home is the unit that supplies heat. Understanding what type of system you have will enable you to make some wise changes. FOSSIL FUEL If you heat with fossil fuel, you may see a piece of equipment like those featured here: Gas meter Propane tank Oil tank Note that some tanks may be buried and there will be a pipe or green door in the yard. If you heat with fossil fuel, you are still using an electric fan to push warm air, and sometimes this can cause high electric bills. Some heating systems combine fossil fuel use with electricity. These are called dual fuel systems. If you have fossil fuel but are unclear what you have, contact your fossil fuel provider. Fossil fuel tips Identify what type of fuel large appliances use. Contact your fossil fuel provider to have systems serviced annually and to check efficiency levels. ELECTRIC HEAT PUMP Air source heat pumps are the most popular electric heating systems in our area. A heat pump is a closed circuit that moves heat from one place to another. In summer, the heat pump removes heat from the inside and discharges it outside. In winter, the heat pump removes heat from outside and transfers it inside. When it s very cold or below freezing and your heat pump is running 100 percent of the time but cannot keep up with the thermostat s temperature setting, the heat pump will need to access supplemental heat. Heat pump tips Never set the thermostat to emergency heat unless the Air-to-Air Heat Pump

outdoor unit stops working, then call your HVAC technician immediately. Set heat to the coolest possible setting. Try not to increase the temperature more than two degrees at once. Change filters monthly, as recommended by manufacturer. Heat pumps need to breathe; keep all vents open and free from blockages. Replace older thermostats with smart models ask your HVAC technician which will work best. Have system serviced by a licensed HVAC technician annually to ensure peak efficiency. Keep outdoor unit free from snow, ice, and other air blockages. If your heat pump needs to be replaced, have a licensed HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation to ensure proper sizing. Outdoor heat pump units look identical to central AC units if you have one and you do not heat with fossil fuel, you probably have an air source heat pump. Visit smeco.coop/save for available rebate information. ELECTRIC BASEBOARD Electric baseboard heaters are a common type of electric heat in our area. They can be very costly to operate. Electric baseboards have elements inside which heat the outside surface, Baseboard heating heating the air through the transfer of high temperature to low temperature using resistance heating, much like a toaster works. They work best in dry climates, with short winters. Electric baseboard tips Shut off units in rooms that are not being used if these rooms do not contain pipes that could freeze. Set thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature setting possible. Check all thermostats and knobs they fail easily causing units to stay on when you turn them off. Check them by placing your hand near the unit when it is turned off. If it is warm, you need to replace the thermostat or knob. Turn off baseboards at the breaker panel in spring to keep them from being accidentally turned on. Keep curtains and other flammable materials away from baseboard heaters to prevent fires. Clean coils with a vacuum to prevent fires and reduce operating costs. Consider upgrading to an ENERGY STAR qualified mini-split or ductless system. They are perfect for additions or homes without ductwork. ELECTRIC GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP Geothermal systems use the constant temperature in the earth for heating and cooling. They can be good systems for large homes or commercial buildings. The quality of the installation is the most important part to this Geothermal system. Make sure installation and sizing are correct or this system will cause high electric bills. Geothermal tips If you are thinking about installing a geothermal system, do your homework. See if you qualify for a clean energy grant through the Maryland Energy Administration. 5

Set heat to the coolest possible setting (we recommend 68 F). Check with the manufacturer or your installer to use your system at its most efficient. Have it serviced by a professional. ELECTRIC SPACE HEATERS Do you use space heaters, an electric fireplace, or an Amish fireplace? Portable space heaters are frequently used in cold rooms, when a main heating system is not working properly, if someone runs out of fossil fuel, or to increase the temperature in one room instead of heating the whole house. Electric space heaters can be expensive to operate; look for lower wattage models sized for space. Space heater tips Use for temporary heating in small, occupied areas for a short time never use as a replacement for central heating. Think safety first add smoke detectors, only use tested models, keep away from flammables, never use with extension cords, never leave unattended, and do not over-load circuits. If your space heater uses fossil fuel oil, propane, kerosene, or gas install carbon monoxide detectors. 6 Look for lower wattage models they use less electricity and are safer. Switch to electric blankets or heated mattress pads they use less electricity. HEATING TIPS ALL TYPES No matter what heating system you have, it should be serviced yearly to ensure it is safe and working as designed. Have an energy audit performed to check for air leaks and insulation levels. A tight and well-insulated house will make you feel more comfortable and will reduce your energy costs. Weatherize your home to keep conditioned air in. Air leaks are the biggest culprit for making homes COST CALCULATIONS FOR HEATING Product Typical wattage uncomfortable use weather stripping, caulking, spray foam, and clear plastic. Open curtains and blinds during the day to get the heat from the sun. Use cellular blinds and insulated curtains to add to overall comfort and R-value. R-value indicates how much capacity an insulating material has to resist heat flow. A higher R-value indicates greater insulating power. Limit the use of exhaust fans during the winter months to prevent the house from becoming too dry. Insulate your attic to at least a level of R-38. If snow melts quickly from your roof, you don t have enough insulation in the attic. Average hours used per day kwh used daily* Average cost per month** Boiler hot water circulators 270 8 2 $8.42 Heat pump (rough estimate) 15,000 6 90 $351.00 Furnace fan blower 854 8 7 $26.64 Space heater set to high (one room) 1,500 8 12 $46.80 This chart can be used as a guide to estimate average heating costs, but individual costs may vary. * (Wattage x Hours per day) 1000=Daily Kilowatt-hours (kwh). ** Based on daily kwh x 30-day month x $0.13 per kwh.

COOLING Heating is the biggest energy user in the home, but cooling accounts for a high percentage of energy use, as well. How you save money during the summer depends on what type of cooling you use. The majority of SMECO s customers have a split system or central air conditioning. The system works in the same way as an air source heat pump. The indoor unit removes heat from the inside and discharges it outside. If the system does heating and cooling, then it is an air-toair heat pump, and it has heating coils in the indoor unit as well. Central AC tips Set cooling to warmest possible setting (we recommend 78 F). By raising your thermostat from 72 to 78 F, you can decrease your cooling costs by 40 percent. Change filters as recommended by the manufacturer. Central AC units need to breathe, so keep all vents open and free from blockages. Keep the outdoor unit free from air blockages, as well. Replace older thermostats with smart models ask your HVAC technician for the thermostat that will work best. Have your system serviced annually by an HVAC technician to ensure continued efficiency. Monitor the system s fan. If your AC unit is not sized correctly, or your thermostat is not set properly, the fan may not run properly. If a replacement is needed, have an HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation to ensure proper sizing of the new unit. The average lifespan is 10 to 15 years. If your unit is older or has frequent issues, think about replacing it with an ENERGY STAR unit. Visit smeco.coop/save for available rebate information. WINDOW UNITS Window units work similarly to central AC systems, just on a smaller scale, cooling smaller spaces instead of the entire home or building. Pipes and coils inside the unit contain refrigerant gases, which change temperature and pressure to cool the air and remove humidity. Because window units provide cool air only where needed, they have lower cooling costs compared to central AC systems, but they are less 7

efficient. Usually, you can plug a window unit straight into an electrical outlet, but larger units will need a dedicated circuit. Window AC units should never be plugged into an extension cord, because that may create a fire hazard. Window unit tips If you have an older window unit or you can t remember when you purchased it, search online for the age using the model number. If it is older than 10 years, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR model and recycling your old unit. Before purchasing a window AC unit, check your electrical system to make sure it can handle the load. Window units have a drainage system keep them level and make sure water drains away from the house. Keep heat sources away from unit; nearby lamps and televisions can increase run time. Use circulating fans with window units to circulate cool air. Look on SMECO s website for rebate and recycling information at smeco.coop/save. FANS Fans are a popular choice when trying to feel cooler in summer or to circulate the heat off the ceiling in the Ceiling fan winter. Types of circulating fans include table fans, whole house fans, ceiling fans, window fans, and pole-mounted fans. In summer Air circulation across your skin will make you feel cooler, allowing you to reduce the use of your AC unit. Ceiling fans are the best way to create a draft for the entire room, but remember to shut them off when you leave the room. In winter Switch the direction of the ceiling fan blades. This will help move hot air from the ceiling and help make you more comfortable. This method can also be used if you have an alternative heat source. Fan tips When purchasing ceiling fans, look for ENERGY STAR models. Use fans only in occupied rooms. Circulate hot air from the ceiling in winter air across skin is the summer setting. DEHUMIDIFIERS Small residential dehumidifiers can help you feel more comfortable during the summer by reducing the amount of humidity in the air. Use a dehumidifier Dehumidifier in conjunction with circulating fans if you decide not to use any type of AC. Removing humidity is important to prevent health problems and structural damage. Because dehumidifiers have the potential to be heavy energy users, the Department of Energy (DOE) began regulating efficiency levels in 2007, depending on their individual capacities. Efficiency levels were increased in 2012, so compare your unit with the chart on page 9. 8

Amended energy conservation standards for residential dehumidifiers manufactured on or after October 1, 2012. Product capacity (pints/day) Minimum energy factor (liters/kwh) Up to 35.00 1 35.01 to 45.00 2 45.01 to 54.00 2 54.01 to 75.00 2 75.01 or more 3 Source: U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Office COOLING TIPS ALL TYPES Weatherize your home to keep conditioned air in. Air leaks are the biggest culprit for making homes uncomfortable use weather stripping, caulking, and spray foam. Close curtains and blinds during the day to keep the sun s heat out. Use COST CALCULATIONS FOR COOLING Product Typical wattage Average hours used per day cellular blinds and insulated curtains to add to overall comfort and R-value. Use exhaust fans that vent outside when cooking or bathing to remove heat and humidity. Insulate attic to at least R-38. If heat is coming from the attic, insulation levels are not sufficient. kwh used daily* Average cost per month** Central 1 ton 1,167 7 8 $31.86 Dehumidifier tips If the unit is less efficient than the standards listed above, consider purchasing an ENERGY STAR model. You can recycle your old, working dehumidifier and receive a rebate. Dehumidifiers should only be needed in summer to remove humidity. If your home has moisture issues, be sure to fix them. If your basement is damp or floods, consult a professional. Central 2 ton 2,334 7 16 $63.72 Central 3 ton 3,500 7 25 $95.55 Central 4 ton 4,668 7 33 $127.44 Window unit 1,200 7 8 $32.76 Dehumidifier: 20-pint capacity 480 12 6 $22.46 Fan: 20-inch box 100 8 1 $3.12 Fan: Ceiling (no lights) 80 8 1 $2.50 Fan: Attic 375 8 3 $11.70 This chart can be used as a guide, but individual costs may vary. * (Wattage x Hours per day) 1000=Daily Kilowatt-hours (kwh). ** Based on daily kwh x 30-day month x $0.13 per kwh. 9

WATER HEATING TIPS Traditional storage tank Lower the water heater temperature to 120 or 125 F. If water will burn skin, it is set too high. If tank is older than 10 to 15 years, consider replacing it old tanks can fail and cause high bills. When replacing your water heater, visit the ENERGY STAR website to find the best model for your needs. Flush the water heater tank per manufacturer's instructions during the process of heating water, sediment builds at the bottom, reducing its life and efficiency levels. Turn the tank off at the breaker when on vacation. Install a water heater timer. WATER HEATING After heating and cooling, water heating is the biggest energy user. Typical households spend $400 to $600 per year on water heating, so reducing water-heating costs makes sense. The first step is to understand what systems are available. The most popular method for heating water is the conventional storage tank. These tanks can be heated by electricity, propane, natural gas, solar, or indirectly by the home s heating system. Other methods, called tankless or on-demand, use electricity, propane, or natural gas. How to reduce water-heating costs depends on the system. If you have a fossil fuel system, contact a fossil fuel provider or contractor and ask for recommendations. We discuss electrical systems below. TRADITIONAL STORAGE TANK Storage water heaters are a common form of water heating. They range in size from 20 to 80 gallons. Choosing the size depends on the number of faucets and showers it will support. Larger homes sometimes require more than one tank. When hot water is turned on, it comes from the top of the tank, while cold water enters the bottom. The most important energy-related feature on these tanks is the amount of insulation the unit Storage water heater has, referred to as its Energy Factor (EF). Since 1990, the Department of Energy has required all water heater manufacturers to comply with efficiency standards, which increased in 2015. 10

TANKLESS/ON-DEMAND These units can save energy by heating water only as needed, but their flow rates are limited. Typical electric tankless systems have flow rates of two to five gallons per minute. Gas units usually have better flow rates, but even that may not provide enough hot water. If the home has more than two people, a tankless system may not provide enough hot water. One key factor to consider is the installation cost, since tankless systems can be expensive to install. ENERGY STAR qualifies some natural gas systems, but not electric units. Electric tankless systems are not recommended. In cold climates, they can actually use more electricity than traditional tank systems. Sometimes the home s electrical service needs to be increased in order to handle the additional load. HYBRID HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER A hybrid heat pump water heater works like a refrigerator but in reverse. While a refrigerator removes heat from an enclosed box and releases it to the surrounding air, a hybrid heat pump water heater captures heat from the surrounding air and then transfers it to water in an enclosed tank. It then blows out the cooler air. Because it moves heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly, it is a much more efficient way to heat water. Hybrid heat pump water heaters can cost less than half as much to operate compared to traditional water heaters. Not only do they heat water, but they also cool and dehumidify the space around them. Check smeco.coop/save to find information about which model is right for you. Insulate all pipes. For old units, consider installing an insulating jacket. Follow manufacturer s instructions; jackets are not recommended on newer models. All units To conserve water, install lowflow showerheads and faucet aerators and fix water leaks. Purchase ENERGY STAR clothes washers and dishwashers to conserve water and reduce costs. 11

CALCULATE APPLIANCE USE COSTS Daily usage formula: (Wattage x Hours Daily used per day) Kilowatt- = hour (kwh) 1000 consumption Monthly usage formula: Daily kwh consumption Monthly x = energy number of days consumption used per month Annual usage formula: Daily kwh consumption Annual x = energy number of days consumption used per year Annual cost formula: Annual energy consumption Annual cost x = to run the SMECO rate appliance per kwh* * In this booklet, SMECO used $0.13 per kwh in the example to estimate costs, which include rate, fees, and taxes. 12 APPLIANCES Appliances, including lighting and refrigeration, represent between 30 and 45 percent of electric bills. Using too much energy can be expensive, so making informed choices on appliance purchases only makes sense. When purchasing a new appliance, look for how much electricity it uses when comparing models and brands. Look for the ENERGY STAR logo or the Department of Energy s Energy Guide label. If neither is available, find the wattage for the appliance listed on the box or the label. This wattage number will either be for the maximum output of an appliance or the range of power, depending on its setting. To determine the wattage, find the ampere (AMP) usage and multiply it by the voltage the appliance will use (small appliances use 120 volts, larger appliances use 240 volts). Take this number and use the formula at left to calculate costs. KITCHEN Saving electricity is easy by using appliances wisely. The biggest energy user in the kitchen is the refrigerator, unless the oven is used frequently. Refrigerator/freezer tips If unit is older than 10 years, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR model. Look for refrigerators with freezers either on top or bottom they use less electricity. Avoid icemakers and water dispensers, which use more electricity. Visit smeco.coop/save for rebates. Keep refrigerators/freezers set to recommended temperatures 35 to 38 F for refrigerator and 0 F for the freezer. Check the seals on doors. To do this, open the door, place a piece of paper half in/half out of the door, close the door, and then pull the paper. If the paper easily comes out, the seal

is not tight enough. Cover liquids and keep leftovers wrapped reducing moisture levels will reduce run time. Defrost the freezer don t let ice build up more than ¼ inch. Refrigerator Clean coils behind or under the unit annually. Don t keep your old refrigerator it uses as much electricity as a person. Refrigerators are not designed to be used in unfinished spaces, such as your garage. SMECO has a recycling program, you can earn money by recycling your old, working refrigerator. Visit smeco.coop/save for more information. DISHWASHING A question asked frequently is if hand washing dishes uses less electricity than a dishwasher does. The answer depends on the dishwasher. If it is less than ten years old and it is an ENERGY STAR model, it will use less electricity and hot water. If older, hand washing uses less energy. Dishwashing tips Scrape off dishes most dishwashers clean dishes without pre-washing or soaking. Dishwasher Air-dry dishes instead of using automatic drying. Look at manufacturer s manuals for hot water temperature needs newer models have internal heating elements, allowing water heater to be set to 120 F. Run full loads, but do not overload to clean dishes fully. Try not to use rinse hold setting it uses more hot water. OTHER KITCHEN APPLIANCES Use smaller appliances instead of the stove to cook a small meal because they use less electricity and produce less heat. Electric grill Other kitchen appliance tips Match the size of saucepans with burner. In summer, place lids on pans to reduce humidity. Keep range top clean allowing for heat to reflect properly. Use a kettle to heat water. Conserve water by installing faucet aerators, fixing leaks, and leaving faucet in cold water position to reduce hot water use. LAUNDRY Besides hanging clothes on a clothesline, use other ways to save money doing laundry. Using less water by only washing full loads, choosing the right water level setting, Washer and dryer and limiting extra rinse cycles are the simplest ways to save. Washing in cold water is another simple way to reduce costs. When using the dryer, keep the lint screen clean. Use a vacuum or lint brush to clean below the lint screen, to improve efficiency levels and reduce fire hazards. Check exhaust ducts to make sure they are not leaky or blocked, which allows humid air into the house. 13

LAUNDRY TIPS If older than ten years, consider replacing with an ENERGY STAR certified washer and dryer. Visit SMECO s website at smeco.coop/save for rebate information. Treat stains as soon as possible. Avoid using the dryer if possible air-dry clothes then put in dryer for 10 minutes to soften. When drying clothes, separate towels and jeans from lighter clothes add a dry towel to light loads. Use the moisture sensor and cool-down cycle. Conserve water. COST CALCULATIONS FOR APPLIANCES Product Typical wattage Average hours used per day kwh used daily* Average cost per month** Air cleaner, portable 1,167 7 8 $31.86 Aquarium: 20 gallons @75 30 24 1 $3.02 Blanket, per side 87 8 1 $2.92 Clothes dryer, thermostat control 5,500 0.5 3 $1.07 Clothes washer, using cold water 510 0.5 0 $1.00 Coffee maker, drip 700 0.25 0 $0.68 Dishwasher (hot water not included) 1,200 0.5 1 $2.34 Freezer: upright 17CF, auto defrost, 20 years old Freezer: upright, 17 CF, auto defrost, new 154 24 4 $14.41 78 24 2 $7.30 Garage door opener 800 0.25 0 $0.78 Hair dryer, high 1,000 0.25 0 $0.98 Hot tub (outdoor, pump and heater) 2,328 5 12 $45.40 Microwave oven 1,000 0.5 1 $1.95 Oxygen generator 350 24 8 $32.76 Oven 2,625 1 3 $10.24 14

Product Typical wattage Average hours used per day kwh used daily* Average cost per month** Pool pump, one horsepower 1,070 12 13 $50.08 Range burner, 8 inches on high 2,350 1 2 $9.17 Refrigerator: 22CF, side-by-side, 20 years old 185 24 4 $17.32 Refrigerator: 22CF, side-by-side, new 76 24 2 $7.11 Water heater, 50 gallon 4,500 4 18 $70.20 Water heater/cooler 84 24 2 $7.86 Well pump 1,000 0.5 1 $1.95 This chart can be used as a guide, but individual costs may vary. * (Wattage x Hours per day) 1000=Daily Kilowatt-hours (kwh). ** Based on daily kwh x 30-day month x $0.13 per kwh. 15

LIGHTING TIPS Replace incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR LEDs they will save money over their lifespan. Start with burned out bulbs, lights left on, or ones used most. Visit smeco.coop/save for rebate information. Use timers when on vacation. Purchase the right light for needs. Look for soft white or bright white lights. If a 60-watt LED bulb is not bright enough, buy a higher wattage equivalent it will still use less wattage. Keep receipt and proof of purchase some manufacturers guarantee lifespan. Turning off LED bulbs will save energy. If leaving a room for more than 15 minutes, turn them off. LIGHTING Fun fact: Thomas Edison patented the first incandescent bulb in 1879. Over the years, improvements were made but they still used too much electricity. Due to energy shortages, scientists developed fluorescent, compact fluorescent (CFLs), and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. COST CALCULATIONS FOR LIGHTING Product Incandescent, 60 watts LED, 60 watt equivalent Incandescent, 100 watts LED, 100 watt equivalent Incandescent, 150 watts LED, 150 watt equivalent Typical wattage Average hours used per day kwh used daily* Average cost per month** 60 8 0 $1.87 10 8 0 $0.31 100 8 1 $3.12 16 8 0 $0.50 150 8 1 $4.68 32 8 0 $1.00 This chart can be used as a guide, but individual costs may vary. * (Wattage x Hours per day) 1000=Daily Kilowatt-hours (kwh). ** Based on daily kwh x 30-day month x $0.13 per kwh. Bulb life comparison, hours 700 to 1,000 25,000 to 50,000 700 to 1,000 25,000 to 50,000 700 to 1,000 25,000 to 50,000 16

WELLS/PUMPS We have covered the most obvious places to save electricity but some we don t always remember. Do you have a well, swimming pool, fish pond, sump pump, or sewage pump? Wells and pumps have the ability to use a lot of electricity, so if you have a high bill, this is something you can check. Wells/pumps tips Conserve water look for green or muddy areas for leaks. Have wells and pumps checked ensure they are working and ask for recommendations to reduce consumption. Replace pool pumps with ENERGY STAR variable speed pumps. Place pool pump on a timer adjusting as needed. Pool pump Use the sun to heat the pool ask your pool specialist about recommendations. Shut off at breaker at the end of pool season for year-round hot tubs, set to economy mode or turn them off at breaker when not in use. 17

ELECTRONICS TIPS Use smart strips for electronics they will shut off all other appliances when master appliance is not being used. Plug all cell phone and other portable electronic chargers into surge protector strip once charged, turn strip off. Ask cable or satellite dish provider for energy efficient choices. Turn off surge protectors for any appliance with remote controls, lights, or clocks if you are not actively using them. ELECTRONICS Have you ever counted the number of electronics you have? If you are like most people, you have more than one type of electronic device for each person. While electrical costs for one device are minimal, collectively, they add up. When deciding to purchase new electronics, add wattage comparisons to your list of things to look for. Look under the manufacturer s product specifications, or look on the product for the Energy Guide or ENERGY STAR logo. COST CALCULATIONS FOR ELECTRONICS Product Typical wattage Average hours used per day kwh used daily* Average cost per month** Cable box 22 6 0 $0.51 Cell phone charger 10 4 0 $0.16 Clock radio 30 24 1 $2.81 Computer: desktop with monitor 300 6 2 $7.02 Computer: laptop 17 6 0 $0.40 DVD player/blu-ray 15 6 0 $0.35 Satellite dish 24 6 0 $0.56 TV: CRT (<40 ) 130 6 1 $3.04 TV: LCD (<40 ) 120 6 1 $2.81 18 TV: Plasma (50 ) 400 6 2 $9.36 This chart can be used as a guide, but individual costs may vary. * (Wattage x Hours per day) 1000=Daily Kilowatt-hours (kwh). ** Based on daily kwh x 30-day month x $0.13 per kwh.

PHANTOM LOAD Televisions, cable boxes, microwaves, and game systems all have phantom loads, meaning they are never truly off unless unplugged. Combined appliances pulling phantom load can add up. Product Average monthly kwh use in standby mode Average monthly cost per unit* Cable box 10.7 $1.39 Cell phone charger 0.25 $0.03 Computer: desktop 21.6 $2.81 Computer: laptop 4.8 $0.62 Computer: monitor 7.6 $0.99 Computer: printer 5.8 $0.75 Computer: speakers 1.8 $0.23 Clock radio 1.5 $0.20 DVD/VCR player 4.9 $0.64 Garage door opener 2 $0.26 Microwave oven 3 $0.39 Router/modem 1.3 $0.17 Satellite box 10.7 $1.39 Surround sound 10.7 $1.39 TV: CRT (<40 ) 10.1 $1.31 TV: LCD (<40 ) 6.5 $0.85 TV: Plasma (50 ) 12 $1.56 *Cost per unit was calculated based on $0.13 per kwh. 19

20 RENEWABLE ENERGY Once everything is done to manage electricity, perhaps installing solar panels, wind turbines, or either of those combined with a battery system will reduce your carbon footprint further. Reduce load before installing a system, so you can get a smaller system at a reduced price. SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) CELLS Solar panels are the most popular way to produce clean energy for residential use. They come with warranties up to 25 years, but can last even longer. They need very little maintenance, but you should occasionally clean their surface and trim branches to prevent shading. PV systems can offset electric bills, but they are still expensive, though prices continue to fall. Some companies offer no-money-down systems with long, binding contracts, usually for at least 20 years. They can have hidden fees, routine rate increases, property liens preventing

home sales, and the signing over of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to the solar company. Consider options, read fine print carefully, and do research before signing. Visit smeco.coop/solar to determine if a solar system is a good option for your home and to learn more. WIND TURBINES The power generated from windmills is an old technology becoming popular again. Over the years, scientists have developed methods to predict performance, which has increased efficiency levels. Large-scale utility wind farms are the leader in renewable energy sources. While manufacturers are developing smaller residential systems, costs are typically higher than solar systems. As smaller turbines improve, they may become a popular option for homeowners. SOLAR AND WIND PLUS BATTERY SYSTEM For people with solar or wind systems, the utility still provides electricity when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing. However, for people who want to live off the grid, thereby not relying on the utility for electricity at all, adding a battery system to store electricity may be the answer. Adding a battery system increases the costs, but as with solar, prices for batteries have come down and continue to fall. Renewable energy tips Renewable systems produce electricity at the same time it is used to get the most out of them reduce usage first. Schedule your no-cost audit under the Home Energy Improvement Program. Is solar worth the investment? Solar panels or photovoltaic (PV) systems may be a good investment for some customers, but not for others. If your main goal is to reduce your bill, first try to use as little energy as possible to see how that affects your bill. To help you save, SMECO has programs available to help you see where your home can become more energy efficient. Visit smeco.coop/save to learn more about these options. SMECO also offers helpful FREE advice to reduce energy use and reduce your bill. The amount of energy you typically use, the amount of sun in your yard, the number of solar panels installed, and the cost of installation are just some of the factors that need to be considered when you get estimates for solar PV systems. Learn more at smeco.coop/ solar. 21

The EmPOWER Maryland initiative aims to reduce energy consumption in the state each year. SMECO s EmPOWER Maryland programs can help you reduce your electricity consumption and save you money. EmPOWER Maryland programs are funded by a charge on your electric bill. Lighting Program Upgrade to energy-efficient ENERGY STAR LEDs in your lighting and get instant discounts up to $7 per bulb from SMECO! When you buy select bulbs from participating retailers or from SMECO's online store, the savings are included in the purchase price at the register. Appliance Program Appliances help you keep your home running smoothly. But they EMPOWER MARYLAND also use a lot of energy. To help you save energy and save money, SMECO offers rebates when you purchase select ENERGY STAR certified appliances, including: clothes washers and dryers refrigerators smart thermostats, and more. Please see SMECO s website at smeco.coop/save for full listing and rebate requirements. Appliance Recycling SMECO can help you lower your energy costs and pay you to do it. We will pick up and recycle your old, working (cooling) fridge or freezer, at no charge, and you will get a rebate! Have an old, working room air conditioner or dehumidifier too? We can pick it up for recycling at the same time and give you an additional bonus! Online Store SMECO s online store offers great discounts on energy-efficient products such as LED lighting, appliances, water efficiency products, and Energy Efficiency kits. The online store features free shipping on orders over $35. Visit the store at smeco.coop/store and save today. Home Energy Improvement Program With the Home Energy Improvement Program, a SMECO Energy Advisor will do a no-cost home energy analysis to show you how you can save every month on your energy costs. The advisor will provide tailormade recommendations that show you how you can get the most bang 22

for your buck, including no-cost, directinstall methods. Choose the upgrades that suit your needs, work with an installation contractor, and get instant rebates. The possible home improvement measures include attic sealing, attic insulation, manual sealing of ductwork, heat pump water heater upgrade, as well as health and safety measures. Special financing is available for customers who qualify. With your approval, you could receive some of these energy-saving items on the spot: LED lights Smart strips Showerheads Smart thermostats Hot water pipe insulation Water heater temperature turndown HVAC SMECO offers rebates on equipment and services to improve the efficiency of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Smart Thermostat Switch to an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat, and you can reduce your home s annual energy use. A smart thermostat learns your patterns and factors in the weather to automatically adjust your home s temperature for improved comfort and performance. It is connected to Wi-Fi, so you can control it from anywhere. Plus, you may qualify for a rebate and free installation. You can make your smart thermostat even smarter, too. Sign up for our TOP Saver Program to save even more up to three percent annually. See our website for details. ENERGY STAR New Home Program Building a new home? ENERGY STAR homes can include a variety of energy-efficient features. SMECO s website features builders in your area that are constructing ENERGY STAR homes, or you can work with your current builder to ensure your home meets the required guidelines. Account Manager SMECO s Account Manager can provide you with detailed information about your home s energy use and help you discover ways to save money and make your home more energy efficient. Commercial and Small Business The Business Solutions program can help you build a new facility, renovate an existing building, or replace aging inefficient equipment or systems. SMECO offers incentives on energy-efficient equipment to help upgrade lighting, HVAC systems, commercial refrigeration equipment, and more. The Building Tuneup Program offers financial incentives to identify and implement relatively low-cost operational and maintenance improvements to existing buildings. The Small Business Solutions program helps small business owners save energy and address their energy efficiency challenges. Learn more about all of the EmPOWER Maryland programs when you visit SMECO s website at smeco.coop/save. 23

MANAGE YOUR ENERGY CHECKLIST Steps: No cost Set thermostat to 68 in winter 78 F in summer Keep vents open Place surge-protector strips on electronics turn them off when the electronics are not in use Flush hot water tank per manufacturer's recommendations Set hot water tank to 120 to 125 F Recycle second refrigerator/freezer Have a Home Energy Improvement audit completed Steps: Small cost Replace light bulbs with LEDs Weather-strip/caulk all doors and windows Replace filter on heating and cooling system Replace showerheads and faucet aerators with low-flow Insulate pipes for hot water tank Steps: Invest in savings Replace old appliances with ENERGY STAR models Service HVAC units annually Add insulation if advised Replace water heater with a heat pump water heater Replace heat pump/ac unit with a 15+ SEER unit Add shading film to windows Have a renewable energy system installed P P P

Learn how you can save energy and save money at smeco.coop/save.

1-888-440-3311 www.smeco.coop 0618