High Energy Bills? Start Saving Today

High Bills? Start Saving Energy Today

 

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Find additional resources to save energy this summer: 

Energy Efficiency
Don't let high energy bills get you down. Use these low-cost tips to start saving today.
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As summer temperatures rise, so do energy bills—but they don’t have to. In our recent conversation with Jeff Mason, a veteran energy advisor with 25 years of experience at Cobb EMC, we uncovered essential strategies for improving home energy efficiency that can lead to significant savings on electric bills.

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Watt's New Episode 5: Inside Your Attic - The Key to Energy Efficiency

Cobb EMC has a brand new podcast that brings insightful conversations about the latest innovations, trends, and developments in the energy industry. Watt’s New will feature industry experts, thought leaders, and company insiders discussing the evolving energy landscape and how these changes impact the community. From renewable energy advancements to smart grid technology, each episode will illuminate “watt’s” happening in the energy world.

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Watt's New Episode 2: EV Ownership - Should You Switch?

Electrical Safety Month: Protect Your Home

May is National Electrical Safety Month. Use these tips to stay safe, inside and out.

Electrical Safety Month: Protect Your Home

 

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Energy Efficiency
May is National Electrical Safety Month. Use these tips to stay safe, inside and out.
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Spring Cleaning for Energy Savings

 

Spring Cleaning for Energy Savings

 

Published:

Energy Efficiency
Keep these simple energy-saving tips in mind as you're chasing those dust bunnies around this spring.

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5 Ways to Save Energy at Home Using Your Smartphone

5 Ways to Save Energy at Home Using Your Smartphone

Smartphone woman

These days, our smartphones are practically glued to our palms. But what if you could use that screen time to save energy instead of passing hours doom scrolling on that social media app? Here are just a few of the sustainable actions you can take without putting down that trusty device.

1. Adjust the thermostat

You can use the connected app to adjust its settings if you have a smart thermostat. Manually raise or lower the temperature for comfort and energy savings, or input your daily schedule so the thermostat can automatically regulate your home's temperature.

2. Remember to change the filter

Tired of having to remember when it's time to replace your HVAC filter? There's an app for that.

Filtrete™'s app allows you to set reminders for one or multiple filters around your home, so you'll never forget again. You can also step it up a notch and opt for their Smart Air Filters, which include Bluetooth-connected sensors that can monitor air flow and usage of the filter instead of just time.

3. Turn off the lights

Left the downstairs lights on after you've already ascended the stairs to the bedroom? We've all been there. If you have smart bulbs and the connected app, however, you can correct your mistake from the cozy comfort of your bed.

You can turn these bulbs on and off, dim them and even change their color with just a few taps. Smart bulbs can also automatically adjust their settings based on a set schedule, which you can also program in the app.

4. Reduce the water temperature

Most water heaters are preset at 140°F, and the U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering the temperature to 120°F. Lowering the temperature can help reduce the amount of money you spend on water heating. And this can be as simple as adjusting the temperature on your home's thermostat.

A retrofit smart controller lets you make existing devices smart without changing the wiring or updating to a newer model. This includes your water heater, but there are countless possibilities with this exciting new technology.

5. Turn off unused electronics

Smart plugs are an efficient solution for those home devices that simply plug into an outlet. Just insert a smart plug into the outlet, then the device into the plug, and you can turn your coffee maker, television and more on or off through the connected app. You can also create a set schedule for certain appliances and devices so they run on your preferred schedule.

Connected smart devices and smartphone apps bring efficiency to your fingertips. Just a tap or two, and you can make your home more comfortable and efficient — and save some money, too.

Energy Efficiency
Connected smart devices and smartphone apps bring efficiency to your fingertips.
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7 Energy-Saving Habits Your Business Should Adopt

7 Energy-Saving Habits Your Business Should Adopt

Small changes, big impact. Discover seven energy-saving habits that will help reduce your operating costs.

Published:

Businesswoman in office

Many businesses operate within commercial buildings smaller than 50,000 square feet, which account for nearly half of U.S. commercial building energy use. If you’re looking to reduce your business’s carbon footprint and save on costs, adopting energy-efficient practices can be a game-changer. The good news? You don’t always need to make significant investments or undertake drastic changes. Here are seven affordable energy-saving measures that you can implement.

1. Turn off lights

Installing LED lights will save your business the most energy, but no matter what type of lights you have, you must ensure they’re not left on in empty spaces. Make it a habit to remind staff to turn off lights when they’re the last one leaving the room or building at the end of the day. For added convenience, consider installing occupancy sensors and timer controls.

2. Use power strips

Phantom energy — the power used by electronics turned off but still plugged in — can add up over time. To combat this, use smart power strips, which automatically cut power to devices not in use. It’s a straightforward solution that can reduce your overall energy consumption.

3. Adjust thermostats

Heating and cooling can significantly impact energy bills. Implement strategies to optimize temperature settings, such as programming thermostats to adjust automatically during non-working hours or setting them a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer. Zone-based heating and cooling can further decrease unnecessary energy use in unoccupied areas.

4. Conduct periodic energy audits

Regular audits help you understand how your business uses energy. They pinpoint inefficiencies and recommend changes that can lead to substantial savings. By scheduling periodic audits, you can stay on top of your energy consumption and make informed decisions to enhance efficiency.

5. Prioritize natural light

Maximizing natural light in your workspace can reduce the need for artificial lighting. Position workspaces near windows and skylights, and keep walls lightly-colored to reflect daylight.

6. Invest in smart technology

Energy-efficient companies often embrace advanced technologies to optimize their energy use. This includes smart thermostats, which optimize energy savings by automatically adjusting building temperatures based on your operating schedule, while also provide advanced features, such as remote control. Another example is smart LED lighting systems, which can be integrated with sensors and timers to automatically adjust lighting based on occupancy or time of day.

7. Maintain equipment

The equipment and appliances in your facility use a lot of energy and neglected maintenance can really cost you. Have your HVAC system inspected regularly by a qualified professional and establish a routine preventive maintenance program for all energy-using equipment. You'll not only save energy, but you'll reap additional benefits in longer equipment lifespan and lower repair costs.

By adopting these practical habits, you’ll join the ranks of savvy, energy-efficient companies, enhancing both your profitability and sustainability.

Energy Efficiency
Small changes, big impact. Discover seven energy-saving habits that will help reduce your operating costs.
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Is Cooking Eating Up Your Energy Dollars?

Home cooking is a great way to make healthy and flavorful meals, but careless habits can be a recipe for energy waste.

Is Cooking Eating Up Your Energy Dollars?

Don't waste money with careless cooking habits. These simple measures are your recipe for energy savings.

Published:

Cooking dollars

Home cooking is a great way to make healthy and flavorful meals for you and your family, but careless kitchen habits are a recipe for energy waste. The good news is you have a full menu of opportunities while preparing meals and cleaning dishes to help trim your energy costs.

Ingredients for energy savings

  • Keep your range top and oven clean. A well-maintained appliance will cook more evenly and efficiently.
  • Preheat the oven to the exact temperature needed. Preheating isn't necessary for foods that cook for several hours.
  • Limit the number of times you open the oven door. Opening the door can lower the oven temperature by as much as 25 degrees.
  • Match the size of the pot or pan to the size of the burner. A 6-inch pan on an 8-inch burner can waste 40% of the energy used, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
  • Cover pots and pans to cook food faster and more efficiently. An added bonus is that the kitchen will stay cooler in the summer.
  • Use glass or ceramic baking dishes whenever possible. They retain heat better than metal cookware.
  • Consider your cooking options. Microwaves, slow cookers and toaster ovens are great options for simple meals or leftovers. They use less energy than a conventional oven or range top.

Low-cost cleanup

  • Clean dishes using your dishwasher, which typically uses less energy and water than hand washing.
  • Scrape dishes instead of rinsing them before loading them into the dishwasher.
  • If you do rinse, use cold water to reduce energy use for water heating.
  • To optimize dishwasher energy use, wait until you have a full load before running it.

Energy-efficient upgrades

If your kitchen appliances — such as your range, dishwasher or refrigerator — are older or need repair, consider upgrading to ENERGY STAR®-certified models. ENERGY STAR appliances are independently tested to ensure they use less energy than standard units while still providing the performance you expect.

Energy Efficiency
Home cooking is a great way to make healthy and flavorful meals, but careless habits can be a recipe for energy waste.
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5 Ways to Save With Affordable Energy Upgrades

Here are five affordable home energy upgrades that can pay for themselves quickly by lowering your bills.

5 Ways to Save With Affordable Energy Upgrades

 

Published:

While some home energy upgrades can be a big investment, there are still plenty of ways to save without having to spend a lot. Here are five affordable home energy upgrades that will pay for themselves in no time.

  1. Install a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats quickly pay for themselves by significantly reducing your heating and cooling costs with little effort and maximum comfort.

  2. Switch to LEDs. Still have incandescent bulbs? Switching to LEDs will reduce your energy costs, and because LEDs have a longer life, they'll also save you the time and expense of replacing bulbs in the future.

  3. Reduce phantom energy. Smart plugs and advanced power strips can cut off energy waste from electronic devices in standby mode. This waste is sometimes called phantom energy — which can make up as much as 10% of the average household's energy use.

  4. Switch to efficient fixtures. Reducing water use reduces the cost of the water and the cost of heating that water. Switch to efficient water fixtures and save both ways.

  5. Stop air leaks. Seal air leaks around windows and exterior doors with caulk or weatherstripping. Not only will your home be more comfortable, but it will reduce the work your HVAC system has to do to keep it that way.

Use these five tips to save on your energy bills without breaking the bank.

Energy Efficiency
Here are five affordable home energy upgrades that can pay for themselves quickly by lowering your bills.
Blog
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5 Ways to Save With Budget-Friendly Upgrades

Energy-efficiency upgrades don't have to bust your budget. Use these five low-cost tips to save energy and improve your bottom line.

5 Ways to Save With Budget-Friendly Upgrades

 

Published:

Making energy-efficiency upgrades to your business doesn't have to bust your budget. Take advantage of these five low-cost tips that can reduce your energy use.

  1. Install a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs with little effort and maximum comfort.

  2. Switch to LEDs. Still have old fluorescent tubes? Switching to LEDs will not only reduce your energy costs, but LEDs also have a longer life, reducing the maintenance and material costs of replacing lighting.

  3. Install sensors. Installing occupancy and vacancy sensors will reduce energy wasted from lighting areas that no one is using. They also ensure lights are on when needed to help keep your workplace safe.

  4. Reduce phantom power. Some electronic devices still use power even when they aren't in use. Stop this phantom power by plugging into smart plugs or advanced power strips.

  5. Stop air leaks. Seal air leaks in exterior doors and windows with caulk or weatherstripping to make your indoor environment more comfortable and reduce the work your HVAC system has to do to keep it that way.

Use these five tips to lower your energy bills and improve your bottom line.

Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficiency upgrades don't have to bust your budget. Use these five low-cost tips to save energy and improve your bottom line.
Blog
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