As many BGE customers know, electricity bills have increased lately due to market shifts and infrastructure costs. This impacts mid-low-income homeowners the most, and summer is the worst. Fortunately, simple and affordable home upgrades can significantly reduce a home’s BGE electric rates for the long term.
These upgrades do not require complete home renovations or refits. They are strategic yet straightforward upgrades to make homes more energy-efficient, which, depending on the age and size of the house, can dramatically impact monthly electricity costs.
1. Upgrade to Energy Star Appliances
Outdated or broken appliances use more electricity than new ones. Modern brands with the Energy Star seal are noted for their tested and approved power efficiency for the machine’s life span. Many homeowners mistakenly try to save money on cheaper appliances without considering the energy savings possible with more efficient ones.
In some cases, rebates and offers may even be available to homeowners who buy Energy Star appliances. This incentivizes them to help the EPA protect the environment while saving money on electricity.
2. Energy-Proof the Windows
Conventional single-pane windows allow heat to invade and escape the home, making it more difficult to regulate its internal temperature. This puts more strain on the HVAC system, especially during the summer, which is one of the most costly energy drains that homeowners experience.
By investing in double-pane or energy-efficient window upgrades, homeowners can lower their monthly bills despite rising BGE electric rates. Windows that insulate the home better, allowing light to enter without as much heat, help homeowners regulate their temperature and their savings simultaneously.
3. Renew the Roof and Installation
An aging roof is a significant energy drain. As shingles age, they can crack, curl, or fall off, exposing the home to direct sunlight and making it more challenging to regulate the internal temperature. Likewise, outdated insulation allows heat and air to enter and escape, reducing temperature control.
Redoing the roof, replacing the insulation, and fixing any leaking seals is an effective way to upgrade the home and reduce the electric bill. Extra insulation can be added to reduce energy loss even further.
4. Opt for Smart Temperature Controls
Smart thermostats and light controls can help lower electricity bills by reducing unnecessary power consumption. Based on preset parameters, smart thermostats can turn the AC on and off based on the time of day and the activity in the home.
Many homeowners waste thousands of dollars yearly heating and cooling an empty house. Dimmers and automatic light shutoffs can reduce wasted light usage and save more power.
5. Switch to LED Lighting
Another way to improve lighting for greater energy efficiency is to switch from traditional incandescent to modern LED lighting, which uses less power to produce the same amount of light. Overhead lights, built-ins, and more can be upgraded to LED for a slight improvement.
6. Add Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a simple home upgrade that indirectly improves monthly energy bills. With efficient ceiling fans, the HVAC doesn’t have to work as hard to keep occupants cool, reducing one of the most significant power drains in any house.
7. Invest in Solar Power
Modern solar arrays are easy to install and customize for the home’s needs with the help of a local solar installer. They can orient the array to take full advantage of the home’s solar coverage and help homeowners reduce their energy bills without changing their energy usage. As inflation, labor, infrastructure, and supply costs force BGE and other providers to increase their monthly rates, homes with solar power investments can lower their bills with fixed-rate power costs.
Partner With Local Energy Professionals to Reduce Your BGE Electricity Bill Without Expensive Renovations
Many home energy upgrades can be implemented in an afternoon, while others require guidance from experienced professionals. Regardless of the upgrade a home needs, the right energy-saving strategy can help homeowners save hundreds or thousands every year, even as utility providers such as BGE roll out planned and unplanned price increases.
While solar installations are the most expensive upgrades on this list, they help homeowners get off the power grid with an alternative to their providers’ adjusted rates. Also, solar adds value to your property. At Energy Select, our local team can assess your home for energy efficiency and recommend the best available upgrades to lower your BGE electric bills, including new and effective solar arrays.
Contact our team today and schedule a consultation to learn about the best energy-saving habits and upgrades your home can use to save money in 2025 and beyond.