Save more in 2022!
Ring in the new year with our monthly guide to energy savings
Resolving to save energy this new year doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. All you have to do is prioritize. Follow our calendar of monthly tips to stay on track and help keep electric bills low throughout the year.
January
Sign up for PEC’s SmartHub to monitor your energy use each month. Download the app from the Apple Store and Google Play, or use the web portal at pec.smarthub.coop. For assistance, contact us at 888-554-4732.
February
Set thermostats to 68 degrees. If you have a heat pump, don’t increase the temperature by more than 2 degrees at a time.
March
Give your HVAC a checkup. Hire a professional to check and clean it once a year. Is your unit more than 15 years old? Consider a replacement. Ask an expert to inspect the ducts and pipes inside your unit and seal any leaks.
April
Schedule an energy audit. Our PEC energy advisers can help you maximize savings with a simple, over-the-phone energy audit. Call us at 888-554-4732 to schedule an appointment.
May
Check your air filters. If they’re dirty, replace them. Then, set a monthly reminder to check them again. Visit your attic and make sure your vents are clear of insulation so that air can travel freely.
June
Remember Power Rush Hour®. Shift your energy use from 2-7 p.m. every June through September. By working together to use less energy during peak times, you and your fellow PEC members can save money now and later.
July
Keep your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher and use ceiling fans to help you feel up to 4 degrees cooler. Just remember that fans cool people, not spaces. Before you leave the room, don’t forget to turn them off.
August
Avoid using large appliances, especially during Power Rush Hour® from 2-7 p.m. This includes doing your laundry and running your dishwasher outside those peak energy-use hours.
September
Plant now for savings later. On the west side of your home, plant trees with full canopies, like oaks, to block heat from the afternoon sun. But please keep distance in mind. Trees larger than 40 feet in mature height should be at least 60 feet away from electric poles.
October
Check your heat pump. Set it to “heat mode,” then make sure the outside compressor and the indoor air handler are running at the same time. If the outside compressor isn’t running, you may have a problem. Contact a certified HVAC technician for help.
November
Find and fix air leaks. This can save you up to 20% on your energy bill each year. Look for gaps along the baseboards and flooring, and also where the wall and ceiling meet. Look for drafts around windows, doors, lighting and plumbing fixtures, fireplace dampers, outlets, and switches. Seal any leaks with caulk or weatherstripping.
December
Check your insulation again. This time, look for openings near pipes or ductwork and seal these with foam caulk or a permanent, non-combustible sealant. Consider hiring a professional to examine the insulation inside your walls.
Find more great energy-saving tips at pec.coop/savings.