Use this page to find actions that your household has completed or plans to complete. Browse the categories on the left to find actions for the Power Saver, Green Leader, or Renewable Star Challenge.
Once you have signed in, you can click Add to My Challenge to add an action to your To Do List, Already Completed to mark an action as complete, or Not Applicable if the action does not apply to you.
Once signed in, you can rate each of the actions you have completed.
The highest rated action appear under the Most Popular Actions category.
ACTIONS
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Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
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Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action. Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
A key denotes a renter-friendly action.Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action. Free < $100 $100-$500 $501-$2000 > $2000 Eliminate the use of a large applianceEliminating the use of a large appliance can be one way to reduce the overall energy consumption of household appliances. When appliances reach the end of their useful life, consider if a replacement is really necessary. Also remember to recycle or properly dispose of old appliances when you purchase a replacement. Continuing to run an inefficient appliance, such as an extra refrigerator in the garage, can be costly. Not only will the old unit be less efficient than its replacement, but it may even use more energy by being operated in an unconditioned space.
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Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
5
Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
A key denotes a renter-friendly action.Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action. Free < $100 $100-$500 $501-$2000 > $2000 Wash clothes in cold water at least 75% of the timeWhen you wash your clothes in hot water, only 10% of the required energy goes to running the machine; 90% goes to heating the water. In most cases, cold water cleans clothing just as well as warm water. Cold water washing results in the biggest energy savings, but even switching temperature settings from hot to warm can cut the energy used to heat a machine load of water in half. Learn more about the benefits of washing in cold water and other energy-saving laundry tips.
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Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
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Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action. Free < $100 $100-$500 $501-$2000 > $2000 Set your water heater's maximum temperature to 120°FYou can reduce your water heating costs by simply lowering the thermostat setting on your water heater. For each 10°F reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3–5% in energy costs. The recommended temperature for optimal savings is 120°F. Reducing your water temperature also slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes; this helps your water heater last longer and operate at maximum efficiency.
Check out more water heating tips from EnergySavers.gov.
Safety Concerns: Water heaters set at 140°F pose risks of scalding and burns, especially for children. Lowering the temperature can, however, create more risk for Legionnaires Disease. Search online for details if this is a concern.
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Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
2
Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
A key denotes a renter-friendly action.Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action. Free < $100 $100-$500 $501-$2000 > $2000 Attend a Powerware PartyAt these small group gatherings, you will become more “power-aware” through activities, demonstrations of energy saving devices, and discussions about how to save energy and money at home. Contact us at greenhomes@frederickcountymd.gov for more information.
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Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
1
Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
A key denotes a renter-friendly action.Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action. Free < $100 $100-$500 $501-$2000 > $2000 Read your power meter monthly and submit kWh (kilowatt-hour) usage to your utilityYou’ve probably noticed that your electric meter is not read every month; for those months between meter readings, an estimate is calculated. Not having actual monthly readings will make it hard to determine whether or not you are saving energy compared to the previous month or year. You will have a more accurate picture for tracking your energy usage and savings when you have actual, not estimated, data.
You can read your own meter each month and use the phone (call 1.800.255.3443 and say “meter reading”) or visit the Potomac Edison website to submit your information. Instructions for reading and reporting your electricity usage appear on your monthly billing statement.
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May 01 Susan Kraus
I no longer use my dishwasher. And before I used to only run it to the setting prior to dry & then stop it & open it to air dry.
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