20 Hacks to Reduce Your Energy Bills–in Maryland

The cost of living for Americans increases every year. The nation’s inflation surge has made it difficult for homeowners and renters alike to keep abreast of monthly bills—especially for utilities. On average, consumers in the country pay approximately $430 per month for electricity, gas, water and more. In Maryland, the average utility bill goes up to $450, which is 5% higher than the nation’s average cost. Additionally, local utility companies predict a whopping $18 increase on monthly bills starting in June 2025 due to power plant closures. 

With all these price hikes, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by monthly bills. However, there are ways to alleviate the weight of these costs. In this article, consumers can learn smart ways to lessen their energy bills in Maryland.

1. Switch to heat pumps

Most Maryland households rely on gas or electric-powered heating (with the former being the most popular choice in the state). However, with this reliance on fossil fuels come high energy bills. There are several alternatives to traditional gas furnaces, but switching to heat pumps might be the best and most efficient solution. 

Heat pumps are cheaper than other like-for-like equipment used for space and water heating. This option can save consumers $705 in annual space heating and cooling costs, and $350 in yearly water heating expenses depending on various factors. Not only that, the IRA is also set to issue rebates for low- and moderate-income households that opt for heat pumps through the federal Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program. These are the max rebates for qualified electrification projects concerning heat pumps: 

• Heat Pump HVAC – $8,000
• Heat Pump Water Heater – $1,750
• Heat Pump Clothes Dryer – $840

Switching to heat pumps is not only the most energy-efficient choice, it’s also the most environmentally friendly option. That’s a double win for your household.

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2. Do regular appliance maintenance

Regular maintenance of daily-use appliances can make your units work better and last longer. This routine practice can save you thousands in the long run. Putting in a little elbow grease to clean out your furnace and air conditioning regularly is a cost-free solution that lowers your utility costs. 

On a bigger scale, you can also connect with the right professionals like Apple Plumbing Heating & Air to evaluate your system for bigger improvements. This team of experts offers everything from heat pump installations to HVAC maintenance. Investing in licensed and experienced service providers will also ensure that your energy bills are kept to a minimum.

3. Unplug unused appliances

A working American adult typically spends 8 hours at work and 1-2 hours in commute. In total, it means that during weekdays, an average worker spends 10 hours away from their homes. During these hours, it is advisable to turn off all unnecessary appliances if the house is left empty. This practice not only prolongs the lifespan of the appliance units, but also saves money on expenses. 

Even during the times when you are at home, not all appliances need to be plugged in. To preserve energy, you can leave only your necessary units running like the air conditioner or heater, refrigerator, Wi-Fi router and a few lights. The rest can go unplugged. This simple but effective solution can save you approximately $100-$200 every year depending on the number of appliances you have.

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4. Go small

When it comes to appliances, efficiency should be the top priority. Efficient products save consumers both effort and money. Most of the time, efficiency comes in small packages. Big units often require more electricity, so when looking for energy-saving appliances, size really does matter. 

In the kitchen, it’s important to choose smaller sizes for appliances such as blenders, ovens, air fryers and the like. Not only will this make your kitchen look neater, as the items are easier to stow away, but it also saves you plenty of money in energy bills. 

Think of it this way: a mini microwave oven takes less time to heat up the entire unit, so it’s quicker in heating up your food as compared to a full-sized oven. In this case, the smaller unit is the best energy-saving option.

5. Purchase energy-saving appliances

Unlike with most kitchen appliances, some units need to be big. Especially when you have a big family, it is logical to buy a large refrigerator and a sizable washing machine to cater to your daily needs. However, buying large units does not necessarily mean that you will have high energy bills. That’s where energy-saving appliances step in. 

According to EPA guidelines, appliance suppliers are required to be transparent about the energy consumption of their units. When shopping for a new item, make sure to ask around for the item’s energy intake and how much it might set you back in terms of utility bills every month. 

At Energy Star, they provide a list of energy-efficient appliances that include, but are not limited to: 

• Air-source Heat Pumps
• Ductless Heating and Cooling
• Dishwashers
• Dehumidifiers
• Refrigerators
• Ceiling Fans
• Solar Water Heaters
• Clothes Washers
• Computers
• Furnaces

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6. Install smart power strips

If you are one of those people who never unplugs appliances, smart power strips are tailored specifically for you. These nifty gadgets are built like extension cords that assess your electricity usage and automatically turn off units that are on standby. They are designed for the task of saving energy through smart programming. 

How exactly does it work? Smart power strips are connected to your phone. If you forgot to unplug devices on your way to work, you can manually disable them through your phone. But that’s not all; smart power strips need very little human intervention, as they automatically detect which appliances are not in use. If a consumer turns off the television, the smart power strip automatically turns off all connected units as well, like the cable box, game console, speaker system and everything attached to the main TV unit. Smart power strips make the job of conserving energy truly effortless.

7. Use LED lights

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have become popular in the past few years. They first broke the market for their style and aesthetic appeal. Unlike regular light bulbs, LED lights can vary in color and design. They are as bright and as high-quality as regular bulbs, but they save more money in terms of utility usage. LED lights offer an array of benefits, including: . 

• Longer lifespan. LED lamps last longer than any lightsource in the market. They last 5 times longer than fluorescent bulbs and 30 times longer than incandescent lights. This means that maintenance will be less costly since you won’t have to change your bulbs for longer periods of time. 
• Energy-efficient. Cut down the cost of your electric bill by switching to a lightsource that only takes 10 watts to operate. LED lights use 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs which need 60 watts. On average, this saves $225 on energy bills every year.
• Endless variations. One of the main features that made LED lights popular is their adaptability in design. Although LED lights are naturally blue, modern technology has made it possible to color-change for fun. LEDs are also dimmable.
• Environment-friendly. LED light bulbs are 95% recyclable because they do not use mercury unlike their traditional counterparts. You are not only opting for the efficient choice, but the greener choice as well. 

Ditch the old light bulbs and switch to LED lights today.

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8. Invest in solar panels

At first look, investing in solar panels might be a hefty expenditure. However, if you look at their benefits, you’ll realize that the gains outweigh the costs. 

Installing solar panels in your home can reap plenty of environmental and economic rewards. They certainly bring down your energy costs by cutting down the electrical usage of your appliances. Relying on a renewable energy source such as solar power is much more low-cost than using fossil fuels. It’s good for the environment, too. 

Solar panels are also much more reliable. In Maryland, with the oncoming threat of power plant shutdowns, consumers need to find dependable alternatives. While traditional power grids fluctuate during heat waves and droughts, solar power remains operational. 

What’s more is that the state of Maryland is known as one of the best states for solar incentives. Homeowners who invest in solar panels are eligible for 30% federal solar tax credit. The investmentIt also includes tax exemptions, energy rebates, net metering and more.

9. Use programmable thermostats

Similar to smart power strips, programmable thermostats make saving energy an effortless pursuit. These gadgets specifically control your air conditioner and heater, and they have revolutionized comfort and efficiency in the management of our home’s climate control. 

Programmable thermostats can provide three main benefits: 

• Cost savings. By analyzing energy consumption patterns, programmable thermostats can help lower energy costs by adjusting energy usage accordingly. They turn off your heater or air conditioner when you leave the house. They even adjust the temperature in unoccupied areas of the house at strategic and off-peak hours. Homeowners get to conserve energy without much effort. 
• Environmental impact. Using programmable thermostats promotes sustainable living. It’s no secret that appliances we use for comfort can sometimes be bad for the environment. With this hack, we can reduce our carbon footprint by optimizing heating and cooling only when needed.
• Unique comfort. Different people require different strategies for comfort and convenience. When it comes to heating and cooling schedules, everything can be set and customized using programmable thermostats. This gives homeowners a huge improvement in overall comfort without needing to adjust the thermostat manually all the time.

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10. Take shorter showers

Saving money sometimes requires sacrifice. If you enjoy long showers or baths, it’s time to reconsider in the name of energy conservation. 

The statistics on this simple practice is baffling. Every minute that you reduce from your shower time can save you 2.5 gallons of water. That accumulates up to 900 gallons per year. Not only will you reduce your water bill, but your energy bills as well. Using less hot water reduces your carbon footprint and heating costs. 

Additionally, taking shorter showers can work miracles for your health. It can prevent dry and itchy skin by letting natural oils develop better.

11. Adjust your air conditioner/heater

If you have a smart thermostat, adjusting your HVAC system is a breeze. However, there are still plenty of tips and tricks to lower your energy bills by fine-tuning your air conditioner and heater. One great practice is adjusting your temperature according to the seasons. Here is a handy guide on HVAC adjustments throughout the year: 

• Fall: 68°
• Winter: 68-75°
• Summer: 68-75°
• Spring: 75°

You can save up to 10% on your next energy bill by sticking to these adjustments.

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12. Repair inefficient units

Regular maintenance of appliance units can help your items last longer and work better. When you have top-shape appliances, your energy savings get a boost as well. This is because well-kept appliances perform better than neglected ones. 

For example, an HVAC unit that has been cleaned thoroughly will take less time and energy to cool down an entire house when compared to a unit with clogged and filthy filters. Cleaning and repairing units, no matter how old, can help keep the machines running at optimal levels. 

The same goes for other appliances regardless of size. From the washing machine to the microwave oven, these units always benefit from some tender loving care. 

13. Insulate your home

Insulation ensures that your home is equipped to stay warm during winter and cool during the summer. The process involves providing a barrier between the inside of your home and the significantly different temperature outside. Proper insulation prevents air leaks, which lowers your utility costs by giving your home an even distribution of heating or cooling. 

The Department of Energy has specified these key areas for insulation in your home: 

• Attic Insulation
• Duct Insulation
• Cathedral Ceiling Insulation
• Exterior Wall Insulation
• Floors over the Garage Insulation
• Foundation Insulation
• Slab-on-Grade Insulation

Insulation can also shield your home from noise pollution as it absorbs sound. This makes it easier for you to relax and unwind at the end of the day.

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14. Install dimmers

A dimmer switch allows you to control the brightness of your light source. Commonly used to provide ambiance for homes, this device can also help lower energy costs in two ways. One, it can reduce electricity usage by lowering the wattage consumed by lights. Two, it can prolong the lifespan of light bulbs. 

Setting dimmer switches in key areas of your home can help create a better environment and save energy at the same time. So where exactly should dimmers be placed?

• Bedroom. An average person spends 6-8 hours sleeping in the bedroom. A full light is rarely necessary for this activity. In fact, the darker the room, the better the sleep. Placing dimmers inside the bedroom not only saves energy, but lets you rest better as well. 
• Living room. A lot of things happen in the living room. From reading to watching a movie, you’ll need different light settings to fit the activity. This is exactly why you might need dimmers in this room as well. Crank up the brightness when you feel like reading a book, and dim all the lights to turn your living room into a home theater when you feel like watching a movie. 
• Bathroom. The bathroom is usually the first area you go to in the mornings and the last place you go to before bed. Taking a shower after you wake up should not be done under harsh lights. Use a dimmer to adjust the lighting accordingly to start your daily routine the right way. 
• Hallway. Having properly lit hallways can be a matter of safety as well as design. Installing a dimmer switch in your corridors is very handy, especially during nighttime. 
• Porch. Dimmer switches can be useful outside of your property as well. Installing these devices on your porch or backyard can make your home more secure. It also helps lessen energy costs.

15. Look for discounts

Asking for discounts on energy bills might feel like scraping the bottom of the barrel, but it’s not. Maryland offers a lot of incentives for residential homeowners to alleviate the weight of energy costs. It’s a right that is provided to every citizen through the Constitution. 

Thanks to the local government, there are various tax credits and incentive programs that offer help for Marylanders. Try to research deeper into these organizations to find the right program for you and your family:

• EmPOWER Maryland
• Baltimore Gas & Electric Company
• Delmarva Power & Light Company
• Potomac Edison
• Potomac Electric Power Supply
• SMECO
• Washington Gas
• BeSMART Energy Efficiency Loan for Homeowners

These discount schemes are designed specifically to support citizens who are struggling with the skyrocketing energy bills. 

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16. Save water

Water and energy are all lumped under utility bills, and sometimes they go hand-in-hand. Saving water can also save energy. Here are little ways to conserve water and reduce your bills: 

• Don’t leave the faucet running while you brush your teeth. Store water in a cup and use it
• Install a rain barrel and use it for outdoor watering
• Fix leaks as you see them. Even a single droplet saved can be a penny saved
• Only use the washing machine and dishwasher when you reach maximum load to clean as many items as possible using very little water and energy
• Install a low flow toilet or fix a conversion kit on your existing unit

These little things can add up to big savings. 

17. Adjust your fridge

Refrigerators are one of the most essential kitchen appliances. All the food and fresh produce obtain longer shelf lives once stuck inside the fridge. Homeowners cannot forego the use of this device, but there are ways to cut down energy expenses while using it. 

For food safety, your fridge must be kept at 40°F and your freezer at 0°. However, turning both these temperatures up by 5 degrees will still keep your food safe to eat, and it lowers your energy consumption by 10%. 

Regularly defrosting your refrigerator can also lessen your energy bills and keep the unit running for longer. Don’t forget to clean out the unit bimonthly to conserve energy and keep up your appliance. 

18. Avoid hot water washing.

This applies to both shower and laundry. 

Hot showers might be relaxing, but the bills that come because of them are far from chill. Using lukewarm or tepid water, especially during summer and spring, can reduce your energy consumption. It also enhances your immune system and improves your overall mood.

When it comes to laundry, hot water washing might get stains out faster, but for the sake of energy conservation, cold or tepid water can also make do. Try soaking your laundry for an hour before starting the washing cycle. This extra step costs nothing but time and can garner the same effects as a hot wash. 

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19. Utilize doors and windows

Heating and cooling are not solely dependent on appliances. Sometimes, using your home’s structure can substitute for your HVAC system. During moderate weather, it’s advisable to turn your heater and air conditioner off. Try switching to a fan, or better yet, open up some doors and windows to let fresh air in. 

In winter months, these house parts still play a huge role in saving energy. Make sure to invest in energy-efficient windows and doors that lock in heat and prevent air leaks. 

20. Support your local power plants

Energy efficiency is political. Consumers cannot substantially bring down energy costs no matter how many hacks are provided. On a larger scale, energy policies need to be changed for the better. 

With the announcement of power plant closures all throughout Baltimore and surrounding areas, showing support for your local energy organizations can also lead to energy-saving policies in the future.

This hack will not only lower your bills, it can also potentially stop utility bills from skyrocketing for the future generations. So stay informed and join in local discussions about green policies that can help reduce costs and save the environment.

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Conclusion

Energy bills eat up more than 6% of a resident’s income in Maryland. However, there are many ways to bring the costs down to save money and conserve energy. 

Homeowners need to invest in smart and energy-efficient appliances while practicing mindful habits that save electricity and other utilities. Applying these hacks not only lessens your expenses but can help save the environment as well.