This year, resolve to be more energy efficient by making simple changes each month. Follow this guide to potentially save energy and money throughout the year.

JANUARY

DIY home energy assessment. Grab a pen and a notepad and thoroughly inspect your home to locate air leaks, check for the proper amount of insulation in your attic, and ensure pipes, ducts and chimneys are properly sealed. Keep a checklist to help you prioritize what to fix first. 

FEBRUARY

Free energy services. Download the SmartHub app, a free tool to help you track and manage your energy use so you can make small changes that add up to bigger savings. Sign up to get high usage alerts, pay online, and more.

MARCH

Air conditioning tune up. A professional should service your air conditioning system once a year to maintain peak performance.

APRIL

Outdoor HVAC unit clean up. Trim bushes and shrubs to allow at least two feet of clearance around your HVAC unit and keep leaves and debris from accumulating to maintain proper airflow. 

MAY

Air filter stock up. Replace your air filters every 1 to 3 months to make sure your HVAC system performs properly. Keep a few extra filters on hand.

JUNE

Smart thermostats. Get a programmable wi-fi thermostat that automatically adjusts your temperature settings to fit your daily life. This can help you save energy and money when you’re away during the day, asleep or on vacation. Contact BEMC to get your ecobee4 thermostat for only $50 while supplies last.

JULY

Power strips. Your appliances and devices may be turned off, but they still use a small amount of power — known as phantom energy — when plugged in. You can save by installing a power strip that allows you to turn off all these items in a single switch.

AUGUST

LED light bulbs. Switching to LED bulbs is one of the easiest ways to increase energy efficiency in your home. ENERGY STAR-qualified LEDs use 75 percent less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Also, LEDs don’t emit heat, which is an added plus during the dog days of summer. 

SEPTEMBER

Heating system tune up. Just like your air conditioning, your heating system should be serviced once a year as the weather gets cooler to keep it at optimal performance.

OCTOBER

Light timers. As the sun sets earlier, consider installing a timer so lights come on as needed rather than leaving them on all day.

NOVEMBER

Caulking and weather stripping. Seal up any cracks and gaps around windows and doors to help keep cold air out and warm air in. Find out more about a BEMC Weatherization Loan to make energy efficiency improvements, big or small.

DECEMBER

Energy efficient holiday lights. LED light strands are 70 percent more efficient and last 10 times longer than traditional incandescent lights. They are also cooler to the touch, reducing the risk of fire.