6 tips to help you save up to $400 a year in energy cost

SAN FRANCISCO — There are ways to save money this summer as temperatures heat up, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) reminds its customers.

With six simple steps, residential gas and electric customers can save as much as $400 on their energy bills over the year.

In preparation for summer, PG&E encourages customers to take advantage of tips like these, along with programs and tools that enable them to save energy and manage their summer bills.

“PG&E offers many tips, programs and tools to help customers take control of their energy usage. This summer, we want to help our customers take action to help manage energy costs and realize savings through these hotter months,” said Vincent Davis, senior director of energy efficiency at PG&E.

These six energy-saving tips are tailored specifically for gas and electric residential customers in hotter climates to help them reduce their energy usage and lower their energy bills. (The savings amounts below are illustrative only. Actual savings will vary.*)

1. Seal air leaks: gaps and cracks between the inside and outside of a customer’s home can allow cooled air to escape in the summer. Sealing air leaks on doors or windows can save up to $95 on annual cooling costs.*

2. Raise the thermostat: customers can save up to $85 on annual cooling costs for each degree the temperature is increased in their home during the hot summer months.*

3. Turn off AC when leaving: turning off the air conditioning before leaving home will save up to $65 annually, especially for customers on a Time of Use rate plan or when there is a SmartDay event for those on a SmartRate plan.*

4. Improve shading for windows: Enhancing shade on windows can save up to $60 each year by ensuring the sun doesn’t heat up the inside of a home.*

5. Maintain AC: air conditioners use more energy than necessary if they are not properly maintained. Maintaining a home’s AC this summer will help the system last longer and save up to $50 each year.*

6. Check air filters once a month: heating and cooling consume the most energy in the average home — up to 50 percent of total home energy use. Cleaning or replacing filters monthly will improve energy efficiency and save up to $45 each year.*

To take advantage of additional programs, tools, and savings opportunities, PG&E recommends customers:

• Go to pge.com and sign up for a free online account. Signing up to access an online account is critical to customers’ understanding their energy use. When logged in, customers can also, review energy use and costs, compare bills, and more.

• Find a rate plan that works best for their home at pge.com/ratechoices. Customers can analyze their energy usage and find the lowest cost or most convenient rate plan, based on their electric use history.

• Avoid bill surprises with Energy Alerts and Budget Billing. Customers who need help balancing their budget and avoiding bill surprises can sign up for the free Bill Forecast Alerts at pge.com/energyalerts to be alerted by text, phone or email if their monthly bill amount is projected to exceed the amount they specified. Customers who wish to receive a more consistent and predictable monthly bill based on their average annual usage can sign up for Budget Billing at pge.com/budgetbilling.

• Take a free Home Energy Checkup at pge.com/myenergyuse. This simple web-based assessment allows customers to find out how much of their household’s energy goes to heating, hot water, appliances, and lighting. Customers will receive a personalized list of ways to reduce energy and lower their bill. It’s free, easy and takes only five minutes to complete.

For more tips on how to save this summer, visit www.pge.com/summer.