Summer Energy Tips from Washington Gas

COVID19 has forced a new way of life upon many of us with working from home, becoming the new reality for many.

People are using more energy because of more time being spent at home. Fortunately, there are many ways to save energy and money even while working from home. Save money and improve the comfort of your home by becoming more efficient with these 10 energy-saving tips from Washington Gas.

1. Match Your Pots to Stoves Burners When Cooking – Using a 6-inch pot on an 8-inch burner wastes more than 40% of the heat. Using the correct size burner and a lid cooks food faster, saving time and energy.
2. Remove Lint from Your Dryer Before Using – According to ENERGY STAR, cleaning the lint screen before each use can save you an average of $34 a year.
3. Utilize Your Windows – On warmer days, close window coverings to block the sun’s heat. On cooler days, open coverings on windows during the day to let the sun in.
4. Use Less Water – Take showers instead of baths and you will use 50% less water and get cleaner faster. Also, turn off the water while brushing your teeth. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save eight gallons of water per day.
5. Set Your Water Heater to 120°F – According to the S. Department of Energy (DOE), water heating is the second largest energy expense in today’s homes, accounting for around 13% of your overall energy usage.
6. Repair Leaky Faucets – A leaky faucet can waste gallons of water. According to ENERGY STAR, hot water leaking at a rate of one drip per second can waste up to 1,661 gallons over a year period, wasting up to $35 on your energy bill.
7. Install a Smart Thermostat – Smart thermostats automatically adjust heating and cooling temperature settings in your home, resulting in more efficient heating and cooling performance and enhanced comfort. On cool days, keep the thermostat close to 68 degrees. On warm days, move it to 78 degrees.
8. Invest in ENERGY STAR Appliances – Upgrade to ENERGY STARcertified household appliances. Appliances account for about 15% of your household’s energy consumption with refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers at the top of the list. Increase savings even further by using a Washington Gas rebate for the purchase of a new ENERGY STAR-certified natural gas clothes dryer.
9. Complete the Online Home Energy Profile – Taking the online assessment can assist with discovering your home’s cost savings potential. The personalized survey can help you understand your energy use and provide an energy ranking, savings estimate and personalized recommendations for your home. The Online Home Energy Profiletakes five minutes to complete. No sign-up is required, and you’ll also find information about high efficiency rebates available from Washington Gas.
10. Save Even More Money. Get a Rebate from Washington Gas –  Take advantage of these tips and save even more with high-efficiency rebates from Washington Gas. Through the Washington Gas Maryland Existing Home Program, Maryland customers can take advantage of natural gas equipment rebates. Maryland Washington Gas customers can apply for multiple equipment rebates per household and combine savings with manufacturer rebates. Washington Gas is currently offering eligible Maryland customers a combined rebate savings offer on Rinnai tankless water heaters now until June 30, 2020.To qualify, eligible equipment must be purchased and installed by a qualified participating contractor in the Washington Gas EmPOWER Contractor Network. Learn more about the Maryland Washington Gas residential rebates program.

Written by Fiona Ryan, Marketing Specialist at Washington Gas