Learn More, Save More

Knowledge is Power

Energize Delaware is committed to offering the best programs and tools to save money, create jobs and improve the environment.

Research Lights the Way

To develop a strong understanding of the opportunities that could offer low- and no-cost savings opportunities for the state’s residents and businesses, Energize Delaware conducted research on the public’s perceptions and in-depth analysis of energy use over the last few years. It shows that more than 80 percent of home energy consumption is from appliances, space heating and cooling, lighting and generating hot water – all areas now addressed by SEU Energize Delaware programs.  Here are some highlights of what we learned:

  • Nearly 9 out of 10 Delaware adults report they have made at least one energy-saving home improvement in the past five years, but two-thirds indicate that they need to do more. The most common improvements made are reducing air leaks around the home with caulking, sealant and weather-stripping, followed by adding insulation to the walls and attic. 
  • Twenty-three percent of Delawareans plan to replace a major appliance in the next year with an ENERGY STAR® qualified model. Removing the old appliance, particularly a second inefficient refrigerator or freezer, is equally important and of the households surveyed about 40 percent are using their old appliances in their basement or garage.
  • Most Delawareans want to do more but don’t have ready access to the resources that can help them maximize available savings opportunities. 

Informed, engaged Delawareans can become the state’s greatest power source. Energize Delaware’s one-stop resource can help you know more to save more.

Learn More, Save More:

Delaware Homes

Learn
Nearly 15 percent of a residential energy bill is spent running major appliances. Studies show that less than 30 percent of the households in Delaware own an ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator. While 23 percent of Delawareans surveyed plan to replace a major appliance in the next year, the potential for savings is much greater. Lack of money is often cited as a major barrier.

Save
The SEU’s Energize Delaware provides mail-in rebates ranging from $25-$100 for ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and dehumidifiers.

If every household in Delaware had a 2009 ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerator instead of a standard model, the lifetime savings in our state would be more than $49 million. The kilowatts saved over a lifetime of a 2009 ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator versus a standard model is enough to light the average home for a year.

Learn
44 percent of Delawareans have no energy efficient light bulbs or at most only one or two. It is estimated that the average home has more than 30 light fixtures.

Save
Changing the five most used light fixtures or bulbs to ENERGY STAR can save $70 each year. One qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. Learn more about ENERGY STAR lighting products.

Learn
Over 4 in 10 Delawareans live in homes that were built over 30 years ago. Seniors over 55 make up the largest portion of residents in these older homes. 

Save
Simply sealing and insulating these homes could save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling bills. Find out how to air seal and insulate with ENERGY STAR to achieve big savings.

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Restaurants and Grocery Stores

Learn
With refrigeration accounting for 5% of total energy consumption for all fuels, the amount of electricity used by refrigeration in commercial operations in Delaware is estimated at 380,000 MWhs per year. In restaurants and grocery stores refrigeration can represent 65% of the energy used.

Save
Outfitting an entire kitchen with a suite of ENERGY STAR qualified Commercial Food Service equipment could save a business about 350Mbtu/year annually, or the equivalent of approximately $3,600.  Find out more about ENERGY STAR Commercial Service equipment.

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Hospitals and Health Clinics

Learn
Delaware hospitals and health clinics use more energy per square foot in lighting than any other type of commercial space. 

Save
More efficient light bulbs provide just as much and sometimes better light at a significantly lower cost. Find out how to take small steps that can add up to real savings.

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Delaware Schools

Learn
With a median age of 49 years, inefficient space heating and cooling consumes 47 percent of energy use in schools.

Save
Delaware school buildings represent a host of savings opportunities. Heating and air conditioning upgrades would keep our students and teachers comfortable and save taxpayers money. Find out what energy efficiency opportunities are available for schools.

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