By Snohomish County PUD

As you read this month’s column, you might be looking out the window and watching the first raindrops in more than 50 days. You might. Of course, because of deadlines, we can only go by the forecast, which is calling for rain this weekend.

That rain should remind you that the cold-weather season is coming. While the weather is still warm and dry, now is a great time to make energy-saving home improvements. The PUD’s Connect to Save program has a variety of offers to help customers save money when the weather changes. Here’s a look at ways to save big this fall and winter:

Home improvements: If you’ve been thinking about making home improvements for a while, now might be the time. PUD customers with electrically heated homes are eligible for instant rebates on heating upgrades, insulation installation and new energy efficient windows. Those upgrades will also save you money on your PUD bill later. Visit www.snopud.com/weatherization for information on rebates, registered trade allies and eligibility.

Efficient appliances: Energy efficient appliances like washer, dryers and water heaters can help customers save money on their bill every month. PUD customers can upgrade their electric water heater and save big. Get an instant $600 rebate and free delivery on qualifying Rheem electric hybrid water heaters through Sept. 10. Visit marketplace.snopud.com/offer for details.

Customers can also save up to $100 on qualifying washers and dryers. Visit www.snopud.com/appliances for more information.

Heat pumps: There’s been a lot of talk lately about how heat pumps help with cooling homes. In the winter, they are fantastic at heating homes and keeping costs down. For PUD customers with electrically heated homes, the PUD offers instant rebates up to $2,500 on heat pumps. Visit www.snopud.com/heating for information on rebates on heat pumps.

Visit the online marketplace: There are a number of small changes customers can make to save electricity. Smart thermostats control heating and cooling costs, energy-efficient LED light bulbs use much less electricity and advanced power strips can help cut down on electricity flowing when electronics are not power up.

For instant rebates and special low pricing on smart thermostats, efficient lighting, EV chargers and more, check out the PUD’s convenient online shopping marketplace at marketplace.snopud.com.

Pay attention to wildfire risks

When the weather is dry, the risk for wildfires increases. During the summer, the PUD pays close attention to wildfire risks and is ready to implement preventative measures if necessary. You can do your part to decrease the risk of wildfires by paying close attention to burn bans, making sure to douse campfires with water and never throwing cigarettes out the window.

Operating since 1949, Snohomish County PUD is a customer-owned, not-for-profit electric and water utility that serves more than 360,000 customers in Snohomish County and Camano Island. For more information on conservation programs, visit www.snopud.com.