Conserve Energy

Conserve Energy

From changing your light bulbs to scheduling a home energy audit, there are many easy steps you can take to reduce your energy use and see big savings on your utility bills.

PECO Rate Cap Expiration

On January 1, 2011, the cap on the rates that PECO can charge you for electricity generation expired. What does that mean for you? It means that in the long term, your electricity rates are likely to climb if you do nothing and retain PECO as your electricity supplier. The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission wants to help you find lower rates by changing suppliers and has createdwww.papowerswitch.com which lets you comparison shop between different suppliers. Importantly, many of those suppliers allow you to purchase all or some of your energy from alternative sources like wind, while still offering competitive rates. You can search by zipcode and change suppliers at any time, so it’s always worth checking whether better rates are available. We’ve found that this site is not always completely up-to-date, so also check out the Office of the Consumer Advocate for additional current information.

When searching for an alternative energy supplier, it’s important to realize that not all “green power” options are the same. Penn Future has a great site that explains the differences.

ENERGY AUDITS

An energy audit is a great first step towards assessing your home’s energy use and determining what changes would make the biggest impact on your energy use. You can perform one yourself, or hire a professional to carry out a thorough audit.

Doing Your Own Audit:

Conduct your own Energy Audit with this guide from the US Department of Energy.

The EPA’s Energy Star Home Energy Yardstick may help you identify the areas where you can make the greatest improvements.

Hiring a Professional:

Before contracting an energy auditing company, the US Department of Energy recommends that you take the following steps:

• Get several references and call the Better Business Bureau.
• Make sure the energy auditor uses a calibrated blower door.
• Make sure they perform thermographic inspections.

Energy Works is a great program available to Philadelphia and suburban homeowners that for a limited time, offers heavily discounted energy audits and low interest loans (0.99%) on energy efficiency improvements. Instead of paying $400 for an energy audit, through EnergyWorks you only pay $150, with $50 reimbursed after you make recommended energy efficiency improvements.

Energywise Pennsylvania maintains a list of certified home energy auditors.

WEATHERIZATION

Weatherization is the process of sealing off and insulating a building from the weather outside. It typically involves the installation of attic, wall, and floor insulation and sealing holes and cracks with caulking, weather-stripping, and other materials.

Maximizing the efficiency of windows, doors and skylights

Proper insulation and air sealing techniques

In addition to the Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency and the Keystone Help Energy Efficiency Loan and Rebate Program, there are a variety of financial resources that may be available to you to help make weatherization improvements to your home

HEATING & COOLING

Energywise Pennsylvania is a great website that can help steer you towards energy saving solutions and these tips from the US Department of Energy can help you maximize the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.

There are wide variety of financial incentives available to help with improvements to your heating and cooling systems in addition to the Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency and the Keystone Help Energy Efficiency Loan and Rebate Program.

APPLIANCES & HOME ELECTRONICS

When shopping for energy-efficient appliances and home electronics, look for the ENERGY STAR® and EnergyGuide labels. ENERGY STAR labels appear on appliances and home electronics that meet strict energy efficiency criteria established by the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Financial incentives can help to offset the cost of new energy efficient appliances, in addition to the Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency and the Keystone Help Energy Efficiency Loan and Rebate Program.

LIGHTING

PECO Smart Lighting Discounts offers reduced CFL bulb prices. Participating stores include Monarch Hardware , CVS, and RiteAid.

GENERATING RENEWABLE ENERGY

Installing a Home Photovoltaic System is a great guide from PennFuture, including a list of solar energy installers in Philadelphia. Solar installations are eligible for a variety of federal and state financial incentives.

The Solar Installation Guidebook from the Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of Sustainability is another great guide to installing solar on your home or business, including information specific to Philadelphia on permitting and incentives.

Geothermal and Wind Power is increasingly being used in local homes and businesses. For a great example, find out more about Geothermal Energyat the Enterprise Center in University City.

PURCHASING CLEAN ENERGY

With the end of PECO’s rate caps, you have more choices than ever among clean energy providers. If you remain with PECO, you can make sure that your power comes from wind sources if you sign up for PECO Wind.

If you decide to go with another provider, you have a large, and changing selection of suppliers offering renewable energy. These may vary in source, cost, price, length of contract, and other ways. Your best bet is to visit www.papowerswitch.com and the Office of the Consumer Advocate which maintain up-to-date information on renewable sources available in our area.