Minimize heat loss to maximize savings

As the weather cools down, the potential for higher energy bills heats up. With JCREMC’s energy advising assistance and efficiency upgrades incentives, our consumers have access to the information and tools to minimize home heat loss and maximize cost savings.

JCREMC Energy Advisor Shane Neher suggests several simple and cost-effective (or free) improvements you can make to increase your home’s energy efficiency and lower your monthly heating costs.

First up: Call a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning professional for an annual check of your home’s system.

“If it has been a while since you had a tune-up on your HVAC system, now is a good time to call a professional technician to go over your equipment,” Neher said. “Tune-ups, proper maintenance, and changing air filters increases your system’s efficiency and will prolong its lifespan.”

Another cost-effective way to improve efficiency is through a thermostat upgrade. Swapping your manual thermostat for one that’s programmable allows you to set comfort profiles and take advantage of JCREMC’s super off-peak rates that offers lower-cost electricity during off-peak times.

Neher notes that newer thermostats also have Wi-Fi capability that allows you to control them through a smart phone, making it easier than ever to set a schedule and better control temperature settings.

You can also save on winter energy costs by lowering your water heater temperatures.

“Most of the time, water heater temperatures are set too high from installation,” Neher said. “Try setting yours lower and see if that works for your household.”

On sunny days, be sure to open curtains on south- and west-facing windows to allow the sun to naturally increase the temperature in your home.

Neher also offers some suggestions for those who want to invest in more in-depth solutions that can have long-term benefits for energy efficiency.

“Windows and doors are a common place for air leaks, which can lead to higher heating costs,” he said. “Sealing up those air leaks, as well as any around your duct work, will greatly reduce heat loss. Insulation is another area where most homes could use improvement. Adding insulation to the attic, basement, and exterior walls can help with energy bills.”

JCREMC offers a variety of rebates and incentives to help members offset the costs of efficiency upgrades.

Rebates are available for heat-pump and geothermal HVAC systems, heat-pump mini-split ductless systems, heat pump water heaters, attic insulation, duct sealing, Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostats, and variable speed pool pumps. Equipment rebates apply to new construction and existing homes. Duct sealing, attic insulation, and variable speed pool pumps apply to upgrades on existing homes only.

This benefit of membership is offered to help JCREMC electric consumers use energy more efficiently and lower monthly electric bills. Details, specifications, and a list of qualifying equipment are available here.

Neher also is available for free energy advising consultations and in-home energy audits. He can be reached at 317-736-6174 or nehers@jcremc.com.

 Off-Peak Rates Offer More Ways to Save

JCREMC offers two different rate structures to allow members to choose which is more economical for their households.

Single-Phase Service is JCREMC’s new standard rate. All consumers who have been on the Seasonal Single-Phase Service rate will be transitioned to Single-Phase Service in the coming months. This new rate offers a super off-peak period from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily when electricity costs less.

Consumers who can program major appliances and battery chargers to run off-peak will see savings on monthly electric bills.

The second option is Single-Phase Time-of-Use. With Time-of-Use, the cost of electricity varies by season and time of day. This rate structure offers the most savings potential for consumers who can program thermostats, appliances, and chargers to run during off-peak times. It’s also the rate that offers the most savings for electric vehicle owners who charge vehicles overnight.

See the full schedule of on-peak, off-peak, and super off-peak rates here.

Using a programmable thermostat can help consumers make the most of our rate structures by scheduling electricity use based on when rates are the lowest. JCREMC members who sign up for the Time-of-Use rate can receive a $75 rebate to upgrade a manual thermostat to a Wi-Fi-enabled programmable thermostat. Learn more.

Learn more about JCREMC’s rate options. To sign up for Time-of-Use, call Customer Service at 317-736-6174.