10 Ways Virginia Residents Can Save Energy and Money

Number 1

Turn off lights

Take advantage of the daylight by turning off lights when you don’t need them. Keeping the lights off when you’re not at home can save you up to 40% on your energy bill.

Several turned on lights
LED light bulbs
Number 2

Install LED bulbs

Replace any incandescent or compact fluorescent lightbulbs in your home with LED bulbs. Why? LEDs can help you use up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs — and because they can last more than 20 years, they rarely need replacing.

Number 3

Unplug small appliances

Get in the habit of unplugging small appliances when they’re not in use. Appliances account for about 20% of all energy used in the home.
Bonus tip: Use power strips for your electronics so you can switch them all off at once. Doing that can save you up to $100 a year.

A power plug
A smart thermostat
Number 4

Use a programmable thermostat

Set your temperature and forget it! Programmable thermostats allow you to schedule different temperatures for different times of day and throughout the week. Adjusting the heating and cooling when you’re sleeping or away from home can help you save up to $180 a year.

Number 5

Buy ENERGY STAR products

When it's time to upgrade your appliances, consider going with the most energy-efficient options. Look for ENERGY STAR certified products for the highest efficiency ratings.

Energy Star Appliances
An air filter
Number 6

Replace air filters

Heating and cooling systems are typically the largest energy users in the home. Save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs by changing or cleaning your filters monthly and having your systems serviced once a year.
Bonus tip: Add weatherstrips to all gaps, joints, doors, and windows to reduce your heating and cooling costs even more.

Number 7

Cool off with ceiling fans

Ceiling fans can make your home feel cooler (by about 3–5 degrees Fahrenheit) and are more cost-efficient than air conditioning. Take advantage of their cooling power by setting your thermostat higher; you’ll save 1% of your bill with each degree you go up.
Bonus tip: During the winter months, reverse the direction of your fan (so that it spins clockwise) to recirculate the heat downward.

Ceiling fan
Windows
Number 8

Use window shades

Put your window shades to use throughout the year. Keeping them closed during the summer months prevents the sun from raising the temperatures inside. During the cooler months, open shades allow the sun to naturally heat your home.

Number 9

Check for incentives

Did you know Virginia residents have access to federal, state, and utility company incentives that can help offset the purchase and installation costs of energy efficiency upgrades and equipment? Before making any major changes to your home, check to see if you qualify for rebates, tax credits, and more.

A roof with solar panels
Caulk, Insulation, Plastic sheeting for windows, LED Light bulbs
Number 10

Conduct an energy audit

A home energy audit can be done in two ways. You can conduct your own DIY energy assessment, or you can hire a professional. A professional audit will cost about $400 but can reveal greater saving opportunities for years to come.

Do-It-Yourself Guide cover

Do-It-Yourself Guide