Virginia Dominion Power received authorization today to increase our electric rates by 18%.  This increase goes into effect on Tuesday, July 1st.

High gas prices.....food costs going up.......real estate values decreasing.....what to do?  Well, here are some ways to save on your electric/natural gas bills:

1.  Make sure your air filters are clean and your HVAC system is serviced and in good working order.

2.  Only cool rooms that you are using.  Close the vents and doors to unused rooms.

3.  Get a programmable thermostat and take the time to program it so your a/c isn't running when you are not at home.

4.  Don't allow anything, such as furniture, to block your vents.

5.  Close the fireplace flue.

6.  Turn off the pilot light for your gas fireplace logs and/or heater.

7.  Allow at least 1 inch of space on each side of your refrigerator to allow for better circulation.  Pull the fridge out and vacuum up all of the dust from the vents too.

8.  Turn off your computer when not in use.

9.  Set your thermostat to 78 degrees and turn the ceiling fans on (this will offer about a 6% reduction in temperature.  Each degree you increase your a/c will save you approximately 2% on your bill.

10.  Use compact flourescent light bulbs.

11.  Keep appliances that give off heat (such as a tv) away from the thermostat.

12.  Use the vent hood fan in your kitchen when you are cooking to suck out the hot air.

13.  Only run the dishwasher when full and let the dishes air dry.

14.  Remember those clothes-lines people used to have?  Consider getting one or using one in your bathroom or utility room in lieu of the dryer.

15.  Unplug appliances when not in use (such as coffee pot, microwave, toaster, etc).

16.  Consider purchasing new Energy Star appliances.  Check with your utility company for any associated rebates.

17.  If you have an older a/c unit that costs a fortune to run and just can't afford to replace it right now, consider this:  purchase a window unit for your bedroom.  Turn off your central a/c and just use the window unit in your bedroom at night and when you get ready in the morning.  Or, purchase a portable unit and just run it in the room you are occupying at any given time.

18.  Be sure the weather stripping on your windows and doors is in good condition.

19.  All those old Plugins that are still "plugged in"?  Unplug them and buy a can of Lysol instead.

20.  Clean the exhaust fan vents in the bathrooms.

21.  Check your duct work to be sure it doesn't have any holes or separations.

22.  Plant shade trees around your house.

23.  Keep blinds and shades closed during the day to keep the sun from heating up the inside.  Consider putting tinting on any high windows that are not covered.

24.  Wash clothes in cold water and only when there is a full load to be washed.  Wash at night during off-peak hours.

25.  Have the power company come out to do a meter evaluation and energy assessment of your home.

Feel free to share any tips you have to save money on the electric/gas bills too!

Tina in Virginia