Dominion Energy : Reducing your energy usage at home can help lower your energy costs.

Change Your Thermostat Settings

Heating and cooling your home likely make up a significant percentage of your overall energy use. For optimal energy conservation, set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower in the winter and 78 degrees or higher in the summer. When you're away from home for extended periods of time, set it even lower in the winter, 62-65 degrees, and higher in the summer, 80-83 degrees.

Upgrade to a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

If you haven't already, consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat, which can raise or lower the temperature settings automatically when you're asleep or by using an app on your phone. Some thermostats are even able to tell when you're away from home and can adjust your temperature settings accordingly for maximum savings.

Before installing, make sure the thermostat is compatible with your HVAC system and is then installed correctly.

Service Your Central Heating and Cooling Systems Annually

Having a professional perform routine maintenance on your HVAC unit will ensure your system is running at maximum efficiency and can help extend the life of your system. You may also be eligible for a low-cost home energy assessment or rebates for purchasing new ENERGY STAR® qualified heating and cooling equipment. Rebates may also be available to help offset the costs of making your home more energy efficient.

Check Air Filters Monthly

Dust, dirt and pet dander can get sucked up by your air return and into your air filter. This build-up can prevent your HVAC system from running as efficiently as possible and can even damage your HVAC unit.

Check your air filters monthly and change them as needed or according to manufacturer guidelines. This can also help reduce the airborne allergens in your home.

Do What You Can To Improve Air Flow

Check to make sure furniture, rugs and curtains are not blocking HVAC vents. Blocking airflow will make heating or cooling your home less efficient.

Keep interior doors open to ensure that air can flow freely to and from the unit.

Unplug Appliances and Devices When They're Not in Use

When you're not using that new air fryer to cook a delicious dinner for your family, unplug it so that it is not drawing power when it's not in use. Other devices, like video game consoles, can also draw 'phantom' power when plugged in but not in use. In your home office, turn off your computer and monitor when you log off for the day.

Using a power strip with an on/off switch can allow you to 'unplug' multiple devices at a time, making energy saving easy.

Replace Incandescent Light Bulbs With LED Bulbs

Energy efficient LEDs can be up to 90 percent more efficient than your old incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs can also last 25 times longer - meaning fewer trips to the store to replace burnt out bulbs.

If you're unsure about how to shop for LEDs to match the brightness of your home's current lighting, use this guide from the Department of Energy.

Want More Tips?

Interested in more ways to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy usage and save money?

Read About More Ways To Save Energy in Your HomeDownload Our Guide with 60 Tips for Saving Energy