Energy Saving Tips from Dominion Power

Dominion Virginia Power has released a top ten list of ways you can lower your energy bills during the summer. Many of these are common sense.  I, however, usually have to be reminded to change the air system's dust filter (see item 4).

1. In the summer, set the thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature.  Dominion and the U.S. Department of Energy recommend 78 degrees for maximum efficiency.
2. On hot days, cook outdoors, use a microwave oven or prepare cold meals to avoid excess heat in the kitchen. If you cook outdoors, plan carefully to minimize the trips in and out of the house when hot air can enter and cool air can escape.
3. Use ceiling fans to make it feel colder so you can set the thermostat higher and still be comfortable.
4. Replace or clean forced-air heating/cooling system filters monthly.
5. Wash clothes in cold water and clean the lint filter in the dryer after every use.
6. Use the moisture-sensing automatic drying setting on your dryer if you have one.
7. Air must be able to circulate freely around the outside unit of your air conditioner or heat pump.  Keep the area around it clear of weeds and debris.
8. Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units.  A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun. 
9. Keep the water heater set at 120 degrees and insulate the heater and adjacent pipes to prevent heat loss.
10. Close the flue to any fireplace that is not in use.

The heat of an early summer is not expected to hit anytime soon.  The Climate Prediction Center is forecasting normal temperatures and precipitation for Hampton Roads for the next month.