Saving energy is a positive, no matter how big or small — it benefits the environment and decreases your monthly expenses. From installing solar panels to closing the blinds while you’re away, there are plenty of ways to keep your bills environmentally + financially friendly.
Heat
As temperatures drop, your energy bills can start to climb. Before the cold really sets in, take a few simple steps to keep your home cozy and efficient:
- Seal and repair your windows: Prevent drafts and heat loss by covering or fixing any gaps in your windows.
- Refresh your heating system: Clean or replace your heating filters — ideally every three months — to ensure your system runs properly.
- Set your thermostat to 68 degrees: This is the recommended temperature that will keep you decently warm while also saving you money.
- Limit space heaters: Supplemental heating systems will further increase your bill.
- Upgrade to LED lights: Winter means less daylight, so try to use light bulbs that consume less energy.
Life hack: Flip the motor on your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise. This gently pushes the warm air that naturally rises back down, helping to evenly heat your rooms.
Don’t miss out on more helpful tips here.
Air conditioning
This summer is expected to be one of the hottest summers in Virginia yet. Here are some general tips to help reduce AC costs without the heat getting to you.
Try this: While we know you love the natural light in your home, consider closing the blinds when you’re out + about.
The Virginia Department of Energy offers a Home Efficiency Rebate program. You can receive up to $8,000 per household to assist with the improvement of certain energy efficiency appliances. This includes things like insulation, air sealing, and ventilation — helping the environment and your wallet simultaneously.
Water Usage
You’re probably familiar with the basics of water saving. To keep things fresh, we rounded up some energy (and bill) saving ideas you may not have heard before:
- If you drop an ice cube, don’t kick it under the fridge; Give it to a plant as a little treat.
- Consider bathing your dog outside to help water a dry area. Note: Use biodegradable soap.
- Place a bucket in the tub while waiting for the shower to warm up, and reuse that water for plants, laundry, etc.
- Leave dishes to soak – yes, you heard that right — time spent scrubbing can add up.
- Look into our beginner’s guide to rainwater harvesting, a process for nonpotable water reuse.
Landscaping
Did you know that you can use certain landscaping elements like plants and trees to manage sunlight, wind, and rain? Utilize local landscaping services, like Meadows Farms or Dos Amigos Tree Experts, to plant more trees and shrubs to maximize shade in your area.
NOVA is no stranger to summer storms. When it comes to stormwater runoff on your property, the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program offers financial assistance when you implement practices, like conservation landscaping and infiltration, that manage stormwater runoff and overall improve water quality.
Solar Panels
According to the US Department of Energy, “the amount of sunlight that strikes the earth’s surface in an hour and a half is enough to handle the entire world’s energy consumption for a full year.”
That’s a major fact, but we’re going to keep things on a smaller scale: your home. Solar panels are a great way to save on your energy bill, though it can come with a huge investment.
While startup costs can add up, there is a sunny side. On top of being more eco-friendly, users report monthly bill savings over time, as well as benefits from state and federal tax credits, rebates, and incentives.
Not sure where to start?
Dominion Energy customers can sign up for an Introductory Energy Assessment or Comprehensive Home Energy Audit to evaluate which areas of the home could use improvement.
