With this hot weather arriving for summer, it is more important than ever to know best practices to save on power bills and conserve energy. Virginia Energy Sense (VES) is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s energy education program. VES is constantly trying to educate Virginians on ways to conserve energy and save money on their power bills. Many small and easy changes can adjust power bills to help save money. Here are ways Virginians can save money during the hot months of the year with low-to-no-cost efforts:
Use Your Curtains
- Close curtains during the day to block out direct sunlight and keep your home cooler.
- Open curtains at night to let cooler air in and reduce the need for air conditioning.
Seal Air Leaks
- Sealing your home to keep hot air and humidity from entering your home, helping your air conditioner work less.
Improve Insulation
- Check insulation in attics and crawl spaces to prevent cool air from escaping.
- Good insulation helps maintain indoor comfort and reduces cooling costs.
Maintain Your AC Unit
- Replace or clean your AC’s air filter monthly to keep it running efficiently.
- A clean filter improves air flow, saves energy, and keeps your home cooler.
Uncover Your AC Unit
- Ensure window or central AC units are uncovered and unobstructed for proper ventilation and maximum cooling performance.
Optimize Ceiling Fans
- Set your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise to create a breeze that makes rooms feel cooler.
- Consider Energy Star-certified fans for greater efficiency and lower energy use.
Double Pane Windows
- Help keep the heat out and the cool air in, improving your home’s energy efficiency during hot months.
- Upgrade from single-pane windows if possible, to enhance insulation year-round.
Blog contributed by Rochelle Sommer, Senior Communications Specialist at Virginia State Corporation Commission for the Virginia Energy Sense program.