| ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM |
| HELPS Toll-Free Hotline: (888) 333-7525 |
| Customers of PMLD may call our customer assistance staff (978-464-2815) or the toll-free hotline with any questions concerning energy conservation in their home. Our program can provide a wealth of information about all aspects of residential energy conservation. We can also assist or direct you to a number of different web-based resources providing on-line information on many conservation measures, as well as on-line energy audits you can conduct on your own. Our customer assistance staff is available to answer your energy questions. After your initial call, please feel free to call back to discuss any further questions you may have about the information you receive from us. |
| Free In-Home Energy Audit Service Home energy audits can provide a greater level of information to those customers wishing to implement major energy conservation projects in their home. The HELPS Program Residential Audit Service is provided to those customers who have used the HELPS toll-free energy conservation hot line, and who qualify based on the age of their home, existing insulation levels and other requirements. Those customers who complete an in-home energy audit project are eligible for a Municipal Conservation Incentive. For more information on home energy audits, call our toll-free number and speak with our staff. |
| Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program Customers of PMLD may receive rebates for purchasing certain energy efficient appliances. Please follow the directions on our “Appliance Rebate Mail-in Form” (click to view) to receive your rebate. |
OTHER TIPS
Insulate your home — energy savings in the home begin with your house itself
- The attic
- Outside walls
- Walls next to unheated or uncooled areas (garages, crawl spaces, unfinished cellars, etc)
- Foundation walls
- Storm windows and doors
- Energy efficient window shades
- Weather-stripping and caulking
Maintain your heating and cooling systems regularly
- Have your heating and cooling systems checked by professionals
- Clean radiators and ductwork and vents
- Make sure air filters on heating systems are clean
Careful water use and your water heater settings can save energy
- Use showerhead flow restrictors to save water
- Repair leaky faucets
- Keep the thermostat on your water heater at 120F degrees
- Insulate hot water pipes and the hot water tank, if possible
Careful choice and use of appliances can save energy
- Buy the right size appliance for your household needs
- Look for special energy saving features on appliances
- Turn appliances off when not in use
- Tun appliances at optimum loads — for example, a full dishwasher rather than one that is half empty
Other ways to save energy both inside and outside the house
- On cold days, open window shades on sunny days on the sunny side of the house and close shades after sundown
- On hot days, leave shades down during the hottest part of the day
- Dress appropriately for the season. Wear layers of warm clothes in winter and comfortable, lighter clothes in summer
- Make sure radiators are not blocked by furniture or stored items
- Use energy-saving fireplace screens if you use your fireplace during the heating season
- Don't run kitchen or bathroom vent fans longer than necessary
- Use energy-saving light bulbs wherever possible
- Outside the house, effective plantings of trees and shrubs can keep a house cooler in summer, or protect it from winter winds
| ENERGYguide offers advice about how to lower your bills and help the earth's environment. | State Energy Conservation Programs |