MAYS LANDING, N.J. (May 16, 2017) - The spring season is in full bloom. Atlantic City Electric encourages customers to take the necessary steps now by following a few simple tips and making a few energy efficiency improvements that can help save money on their energy bills this summer.   

Here are some easy steps customers can take to help make a difference:

• Insulating your home can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs, while increasing the comfort of your home in both hot and cold weather.

• Proper selection and placement of trees, shrubs, and vines adds attractiveness and also helps lower the heating and cooling needs of a home.

• If health permits, customers can save money by setting their thermostats at 78 degrees, a reasonably comfortable and energy-efficient indoor temperature. Close window shades, blinds, or drapes to keep out the sun and retain cooler air inside.

• Customers who regularly change filters to maintain their cooling systems can save money and increase the comfort level in the home.

• Ensure that no furniture or other obstacles are blocking ducts or fans. This will enable cooled air to circulate freely, making your home more comfortable.

• Keep lamps, televisions or other heat sources away from the air conditioner thermostat. Heat from these sources may cause the air conditioner unit to run longer than it should.

• If you have a crawl space, inspect it regularly to ensure that the insulation inside is dry. When insulation gets wet, it isn't as effective. Be sure to find the source of the moisture and replace any damaged insulation.

• The water heater is typically the third highest energy expense in the home. Lowering the temperature on the water heater can also help save energy.  

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with more efficient, compact fluorescent ones. Besides saving energy, you will also save money in the long run, since the life span of a fluorescent bulb is substantially longer.

• By purchasing Energy Star certified appliances, smart thermostats and other qualifying high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment, customers can earn rebates.

Customers can also take advantage of Atlantic City Electric's Energy Wise Rewards Program (EWR). EWR is a voluntary program that offers customers a choice of a web-programmable thermostat or an outdoor switch, which the utility installs at no charge to the customer. During summer periods of peak electric demand, EWR works to reduce electricity usage by cycling central air conditioner compressors off and on for short periods of time during periods of peak electricity use. Customers will receive a one-time bill reduction of $50 when Atlantic City Electric installs the EWR device in their home. 

Atlantic City Electric customers can find home energy saving tips and information on reducing their bills at www.atlanticcityelectric.com.    

For more information about Atlantic City Electric, visit atlanticcityelectric.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/atlanticcityelectricand on Twitter at twitter.com/acelecconnect.

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