At Home 

If you own a Levitt home (One of the original "Bowie homes" built by Levitt & Son) or any other older home, it is likely you will encounter issues with energy efficiency. Here are some things you can do to save money and improve your home's efficiency:

• Schedule a FREE Home Energy Audit
• Buy a programmable thermostat and use it to keep your home most comfortable during the hours you are at home and awake
• Try setting the temperature at a few degrees higher (summer) or lower (winter) than you presently do. A change of one degree can mean a savings of up to 3%.
• Use LED lightbulbs wherever possible
• Keep appliances, furnaces and air conditioners in good repair. Change filters regularly. When buying new appliances, look for the “Energy Star” rating. More information about Energy Star and their commitment to fighting climate change can be found here
• Look for energy drains in your home. Insulate your attic and water heater, caulk drafty windows, and close off unused rooms.
• Appliances and computers draw power even when they are off but plugged in. Unplug the small kitchen appliances, phone chargers, and computers when not in use
• In summer, avoid activities that will generate heat during the hottest part of the day such as using the oven
• Explore BGE’s Time of Usage Rate Plan to determine if it would lower your bills
• Check out BGE Home Rebates & Discounts for energy efficiency improvements
• Check out Washington Gas Residential Rebates for energy efficiency improvements

 Borrow Our Energy Use Monitor

How much energy do your appliances use? How about electronic devices like space heaters, cell phone chargers, etc.? Do you have "energy vampires" or electronics that will continue to use energy even when turned off or in standby mode? 

Find out the answers to these questions by borrowing the City's energy use monitor. Contact the Sustainability Division to reserve the monitor and schedule a pick-up time. It can be picked up and returned any time City Hall is open.  Once you find out about your energy use, you can take action.