Low-Cost or No-Cost Changes:
- Set the delay function on your dishwasher when loading after dinner
- Do laundry during off-peak hours
- Set EVs to charge off-peak (Scheduled charging usually included with EV)
- Take advantage of SMPA’s EV Charging Equipment rebate.
- Charge outdoor power equipment batteries, e-bike batteries off-peak
- Explore SMPA’s time-based-rate-friendly rebates
- Turn off work computer monitors at the end of the work day
In Wintertime:
- Warm up the house before on-peak hours, then turn down the thermostat at 4 p.m. (smart thermostats can be programmed to do this automatically).
- Keep your thermostat set to 60F when you’re not home (smart thermostats can help).
- Opt for warmer clothing and blankets over higher temperatures on the thermostat.
- Use portable heaters sparingly and turn them off when you leave a room—especially during the peak.
- Keep curtains drawn to keep out the cold.
- Open curtains during the day to let in free, natural heat.
In Summertime:
- For cooling, use fans instead of AC whenever possible
- Set your thermostat higher during peak hours and when you’re away from home.
Return on Investment:
- Get an Energy Audit (this service is free if you qualify for our I.Q. (CARE) Weatherization Program.
(See if you qualify: www.ecoactionpartners.org/smpa-iq). - Have an electric water heater? Get a water heater timer installed or upgrade to a new water heater that has a timing function built in. SMPA has rebates for timers and new electric water heaters.
- Consider putting heat-tape, block heaters, and animal waterers on a timer so that they are not on during peak hours.
- Smart thermostats.
- Install “Smart” plugs that automatically turn off certain lights and appliances during the peak.
- Timers on stock tank heaters/dog bowls
- Keep your heating system well-maintained.
- Winterize your home to make the heating system more efficient.
Caulk air leaks on windows
Reverse direction of ceiling fans (See the article on page #2 of this newsletter.)
Replace worn air seals around door frames - Maintain your AC unit. Air conditioners with dirty filters and coils are less efficient and use more energy to cool the house.
- Upgrade old appliances to ENERGY STAR® appliances.
- Take advantage of our energy-efficient appliance rebates.
- Update the lighting in your home to energy-efficient LED bulbs.
- Use solar-powered lights outside
Energy Storage & Efficiency Upgrades:
What you can do:
- Consider an upgrade to your home’s insulation.
- Home battery systems.
- ETS (electric thermal storage) heaters.
What SMPA will do:
- Distribution level battery energy storage systems (BESS)
- Micro-grid implementation. (See "A Balm for Fear" newsletter article.)