Energy Center

1. Heating and Air Conditioning
2. Home Improvements
3. Programmable Thermostats
4. Air Conditioning Inspection
5. Water Heaters
6. Energy Star

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Heating and Air Conditioning

The single biggest power user in your home...

Every month, the majority of your energy costs go to heating and cooling your home. Trying to reduce your monthly energy expenses? ... Heating and air conditioning is where you can make the most impact. New high efficiency systems use less energy, while outperforming older equipment. A new system will start saving you money right away in monthly energy consumption.

A new heating and cooling system for your home can save you up to 30% in energy consumption.

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Home Improvements

Air Conditioning System Inspection Save energy and save money all year long with a comprehensive AC System Inspection. BGE HOME's certified technicians will perform a complete 15-point inspection of your AC unit to ensure optimum efficiency when it's most costly to operate - those hot summer months. Manufacturers recommend that all air conditioning systems be inspected by a qualified technician before the peak cooling season. Schedule your Air Conditioning inspection today.	Programmable Thermostats When used properly, programmable thermostats with the ENERGY STAR rating help you save money and keep your home comfortable by automatically adjusting your temperature settings while you are asleep or away. According to Energy Star, you can save about $100 per year or more. Click here to have a BGE HOME Home Comfort Specialist call you and schedule an installation - be sure to select 'Thermostats' as the equipment type in the form.	Home Improvements Home Improvements not only add value and beauty to your home, they can also help you save money each month in heating and cooling costs. Outfitting your home with new energy efficient upgrades such as windows, doors or thermal backed siding may help you save big each month. New Energy efficient windows, for example can save you up to 30% in energy consumption.
Water Heaters The third largest energy expense in your home, water heaters account for up to 14% of your monthly energy costs. If your water heater is over 10 years old, the energy savings alone from a new efficient water heater will be worth the investment.	Energy Star *Purchasing qualified energy efficient products may make you eligible to receive a tax credit under The Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005 (H.R.6). To learn more about ways to save energy, and the income tax credits visit the Energy Star website.

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Energy Saving Tips

Air Conditioner /Heat Pump

If you did not have your system serviced in the Fall or can not remember the last time your A/C unit was checked, now is the time to schedule that much needed service.

Our certified technician will check the calibration of your thermostat, inspect and adjust belts and pulleys, check refrigerant levels and MUCH MORE!

Don't put this off until the hot weather arrives, call 1-888-BGE-HOME or click here to email a BGE HOME customer care representative now.

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Change Your Air Filter

It is recommended you change your air filters once every month. Your furnace and A/C or heat pump filter is likely to need changing after the harsh 2002- 2003 winter's demand on your system. This means a visit to the hardware or home improvement store to buy the proper sized filter. Take advantage of any sales or multiple-unit pricing and stock up. Also, consider using a pleated filter (better dust trapping) or a type element filter that can be washed periodically, instead of being thrown out.

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Energy Efficient HVAC unit

Did you know that your home's heating and air conditioning system can actually save you money on your energy bills? It can, if you install a new high efficiency heating and air conditioning system. Designed specifically to save energy and save money, these new systems work better. A residential gas furnace built prior to 1992 typically has an efficiency rating of only 55%. Even heat pumps and air conditioners that are only six years old are now considered inefficient. The new maximum efficiency systems have ratings of 97% efficiency a possible energy savings of over 40% each year! With that kind of savings, a new system will quickly pay for itself.

Call BGE HOME today at 1-888-BGE-HOME for a free in-home estimate or click here to email a customer care representative now.

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Window Tips

In the summertime, the sun shining through your windows heats up the room. Windows with spectrally selective coatings on the glass reflect some of the sunlight, keeping your rooms cooler.

• Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.
• Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.
• Install awnings on south- and west-facing windows.
• Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows to reduce solar gain.

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Plumbing Tips

With the winter weather over, and the spring rains tapering off, it may be a good idea to have your plumbing system inspected to ensure everything is still working properly. A good inspection includes checking for any visible leaks, examining water pressure throughout the system, looking for clogged drains or leaking faucets, provide water-saving tips and options and answer any questions you might have. Call BGE HOME at 1-888-BGE-HOME or click here to email a BGE HOME customer care representative now.

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Energy Star

Energy Star® was introduced by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary labeling program. It was designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The EPA partnered with the US Department of Energy in 1996 to promote the Energy Star label, with each agency taking responsibility for particular product categories. Energy Star products include residential heating and cooling equipment and windows.

The Energy Star® logo is your assurance that you are purchasing the most energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and windows available on the market today. Energy Star® labeled products are significantly more energy-efficient than what is required under current federal standards.

Energy Star has over 30 product categories (and thousands of models) for the home. These products deliver the same or better performance as their comparable models - all the while, using less energy and saving money.

Puron™

Did you know that there is a new, environmentally friendly way to stay cool that could help you save money, too?

It's called Puron™, developed by Carrier Corporation and Allied Signal. Puron™ was developed in response to the 1987 international treaty to phase out and eventually ban Freon, or R22, the accepted refrigerant for home use today.

Freon is the refrigerant used in many older heat pump and air conditioning systems. It is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) controlled substance and contains very environmentally hazardous chlorine compounds which damage the ozone layer if released into the air. Because of the damaging effect on the environment, Freon will be banned from production in the year 2020. With heat pump and air conditioning systems lasting roughly 15 to 20 years, the ban of Freon could affect you. As less and less Freon is produced, it will become more expensive - driving repair prices up. And, eventually, repair will become impossible as the supply of Freon is exhausted.

Puron™ refrigerant offers the ultimate in comfort and quality without harming our environment. And since it's chlorine-free, Puron™ systems keep your home comfortable all season long without depleting the earth's ozone layer. Puron™ is the refrigerant of the future and with the cost of chlorine-based refrigerants (Freon) sure to rise as they become more scarce, Puron™ will also save you money down the road should service ever be needed.

Newer air conditioning systems connections are welded to minimize leaks; while, many older units (8+ years) were connected with mechanical flared fittings - which are more prone to break or loosen over the years, causing leaks. Those older units also, more than likely, use Freon as a cooling refrigerant. Freon can cause irreversible environmental damage. If you currently have a Freon unit, you should have your system inspected once a year to safeguard against Freon Leakage.

If you want to avoid harming the environment and possible higher repair bills, look to BGE HOME for air conditioners and heat pumps that use Puron. These units are certified energy efficient by both Energy Star and Green Seal.

Gas

Consumer Choice

Dramatic changes are sweeping the energy industry and with deregulation and customer choice being rolled-out in Maryland, BGE HOME understands that you will need to know how all these changes might affect you.

The majority of Maryland citizens favor customer choice and BGE HOME is working aggressively to help educate and inform our customers about what those choices mean.

As one of the region's home service leaders, BGE HOME wants to ensure that you understand the transition that is taking place as Maryland's energy environment moves towards a competitive supply system for electricity and natural gas.

Deregulation in Maryland

As a result of gas industry deregulation, in cooperation with utilities, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), now allows natural gas customers to choose who supplies their natural gas.

This deregulation of the energy business has resulted in the 'unbundling' of services that were previously bundled together and provided by regulated utilities. By 'unbundling' the supply of natural gas, regulators can encourage competition and allow gas suppliers to compete for your business.

Natural Gas: Who Purchases it? Who Supplies it?

Your local utility used to do everything. They bought gas from regional pipelines and were responsible for safely delivering it to your door. You now have the option to choose a company other than your local utility to purchase the gas for you. Your local utility will continue to deliver the gas to you, no matter who supplies it.

Gas Options Makes a Difference

The primary benefit of this unbundling is CHOICE. For the first time, gas customers will be able to choose their gas supplier. It's the perfect opportunity to play an active role in determining what choices and services natural gas customers value most in a competitive marketplace.

Confidence with BGE HOME

Our reputation for quality, reliability, and convenience is well-known. Let us be your partner. Choose BGE HOME as your natural gas supplier. We are committed to your satisfaction, and your family's comfort.

By selecting BGE HOME as your natural gas supplier, you can feel confident that your gas supply needs will be met. We've built our superior reputation on service excellence and dependability.

Gas Enrollment

Lock-In Your Rate

When you enroll in the BGE HOME for Natural Gas Program, you'll lock in a rate that could save you money. Your gas will still be delivered and billed by BGE the same way it always has. The only thing that changes is the price.

And the rate will not increase during the term of your contract, protecting you against seasonal and market fluctuations.

Enroll TODAY!

Fill out the attached residential consent form completely and mail it today! Or, call 888-243-4663 if you have questions.

BGE CUSTOMERS		WGL CUSTOMERS
Click the link for the Document and print. RESIDENTIAL Consent and Authorization to Change Gas Suppliers Form and BGE HOME Terms and Conditions Customer Copy Click here to download the .pdf Complete and Sign all portions of the RESIDENTIAL Consent and Authorization to Change Gas Suppliers Form. Make a copy of the Form for your records, and mail to: BGE HOME Products & Services, Inc. Commodity Operations 1409-A Tangier Drive Baltimore, MD 21220 Keep a Copy of BGE HOME Terms and Conditions Customer Copy for your records Call 888-243-4663 if you have any questions or need more information.		Click the link for the Document and print. RESIDENTIAL Consent and Authorization to Change Gas Suppliers Form and Residential Delivery Service Program Fact Sheet Click here to download the .pdf Complete and Sign all portions of the RESIDENTIAL Consent and Authorization to Change Gas Suppliers Form. Make a copy of the Form for your records, and mail to: BGE HOME Products & Services, Inc. Commodity Operations 1409-A Tangier Drive Baltimore, MD 21220 Keep a Copy of Residential Delivery Service Program Fact Sheet for your records Click here to download the .pdf Call 888-243-4663 if you have any questions or need more information.

PLUS...

Receive a FREE Service Contract on the Gas Appliance of Your Choice!
Enroll in BGE HOME's Natural Gas Program today and get a FREE 90-day service contract on either a gas furnace, gas water heater, gas range or gas dryer. Now, you don't have to worry about inconvenient break-downs and unexpected expenses. You're covered by BGE HOME. Customers with an existing BGE HOME service contract on a gas appliance will receive one free 90-day extension. Enroll today to take advantage of this special offer.

NOTE: Retail values are reflected in the terms and conditions under the contract section.
For more information about Gas Deregulation,
call us at 1-888-BGE-HOME (1-888-243-4663)

MD Gas Supplier license #IR-311.
MD Electric Supplier license # IR-228.

BGE HOME is not the same company as BGE, a regulated utility.

Electricity

Consumer Choice

Dramatic changes are sweeping the energy industry including deregulation and customer choice being rolled-out in Maryland.

BGE HOME has been approved as an electric supplier, but we have chosen to delay an electric offer to residential customers. BGE HOME will continue to evaluate the market and provide consumers with an electric offer when appropriate.