10 Ways Virginia Residents Can Save Energy and Money
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
