10 No-Cost, Low-Cost Tips For Saving Money On Energy Bills

The arrival of the summer season and the return of hot, humid weather means the arrival of high home cooling bills is not far off.

Lower your utility bills with these 10 no-cost and low-cost steps to reduce summer energy use:

• Raise the thermostat setting to 78 degrees to recognize savings of 1% or more on your monthly electric bill for each increase of one degree.

• Change the direction of a ceiling fan so that the air blows downward. A ceiling fan uses less power than air conditioning and increases comfort, particularly when used in conjunction with raising the thermostat. It can make the room feel 10 degrees cooler.

• Close drapes during the hottest times of the day to block heat from entering the home. Sunny windows account for a significant amount of unwanted heat and make air conditioners work much harder.

• Schedule activities that require hot water — such as washing dishes or clothes — for the early morning or late evening. This will result in less heat and humidity being added to your home.

• Turn off unnecessary lights. Incandescent bulbs add to the heat in the home.

• Replace old incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights. CFLs use less power, last longer, and generate less heat.

• Clean or replace air conditioning filters monthly to allow the system to run more efficiently.

• Install weather stripping and caulk to keep hot air and insects out of the home in the summer, as well as cold air out in the winter.

• Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the thermostat automatically at times when no one is home.

• Install heat control film to reduce heat gain through picture windows or other windows on which you do not want to draw the shades or curtains.

Source:  Dominion Virginia Power